Purple Irises (feat. Blake Shelton)

Gwen Stefani's 'Purple Irises,' featuring Blake Shelton, is a heartfelt song that delves into the themes of enduring love and the fear of loss. The lyrics express a deep-seated anxiety about the possibility of a loved one being swayed by another's affection, and the desire to hold onto the unique love they share. Stefani uses the metaphor of purple irises, flowers known for their beauty and resilience, to symbolize the rare and precious nature of the love she has found. The repeated lines, 'But if someone comes along and tries to love you like I love you / Don't know what I'd do, don't wanna lose you,' underscore the vulnerability and possessiveness that can accompany deep emotional attachment.

The song also touches on the passage of time and the changes it brings, as seen in the lines 'It's not 1999' and 'It's not 2014,' which likely reference significant moments in Stefani's life and career. Despite the inevitable aging and transformation, the love she feels remains constant, as if time rewinds when she looks at her partner. This sentiment is reinforced by the question 'Do you still think I'm pretty?' which speaks to the desire for reassurance and the hope that love remains unaffected by the physical changes that time imposes.

'Purple Irises' is not just a love song; it's a reflection on the nature of love itself. It suggests that true love is timeless and unchanging, even as everything else fades and dies. The act of 'picking purple irises' and 'leaving love stains' implies a commitment to cherish and preserve the memories and moments of love, despite the challenges and the fear of potential loss. Stefani's lyrics invite listeners to consider the depth of their own relationships and the lengths to which they would go to protect the love they hold dear.