Always The Pretenders

Europe's song 'Always The Pretenders' delves into the complexities and fragility of love, exploring the idea that sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships can falter. The lyrics suggest a series of 'maybes,' indicating uncertainty and introspection about the causes of a relationship's breakdown. The repeated use of 'maybe' highlights the ambiguity and the myriad of small actions and decisions that can lead to cracks in a relationship. This uncertainty is a common theme in many of Europe's songs, reflecting the band's ability to capture the emotional turbulence of human experiences.

The chorus, with its poignant line 'Always the Pretenders, always thought that love would do,' suggests a sense of disillusionment. The term 'pretenders' implies that the individuals involved may have been putting on a facade, pretending that love alone could solve all problems. This facade eventually crumbles, leading to a realization that love, while powerful, is not always enough to sustain a relationship. The mention of an 'accident' could be metaphorical, representing an unexpected event or a series of events that led to the relationship's demise.

The song also touches on themes of loss and nostalgia, with the narrator reminiscing about the innocence and purity of the past. The line 'Every day I miss your innocence' underscores a longing for a simpler, more genuine connection that has been lost. The reference to 'our church' suggests that the relationship was once sacred and meaningful, but something valuable has been lost along the way. Despite the melancholy tone, there is a hint of lingering love, as the narrator acknowledges that 'there is still some love 'round here,' indicating that while the relationship may have changed, the feelings have not entirely disappeared.