For The Love Of Life

David Sylvian's 'For The Love Of Life' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, emphasizing the inevitability of life's challenges and the resilience required to face them. The song opens with a contemplative realization that life unfolds as it should, suggesting a sense of acceptance and surrender to the natural course of events. This acceptance, however, is not passive; it is coupled with a call to action, urging the listener to place their trust in the journey and in each other.

The chorus, 'For the love of life, there's a trade-off,' highlights the inherent risks and sacrifices involved in truly living. Sylvian acknowledges that while we may face the possibility of losing everything, the fight for life and its inherent value is worth the struggle. This sentiment is further reinforced with the line, 'But we'll go down fighting,' which serves as a rallying cry for resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Sylvian also touches on themes of responsibility and innocence, particularly in the lines, 'And what of the children? Surely they can't be blamed for our mistakes?' This reflects a concern for future generations and the impact of our actions on them. The song's introspective nature is evident in the verses that follow, where Sylvian grapples with the paradox of right and wrong, and the presence of mistakes in unexpected places. Ultimately, 'For The Love Of Life' is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and fight for what truly matters, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.