Better Than Love

Hurts' song 'Better Than Love' delves into the intoxicating allure of escapism and the fleeting nature of pleasure. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of moments that feel eternal, where every second is a lifetime, and every minute brings a sense of transcendence. The repeated imagery of 'red lights' and 'burning bodies' suggests a hedonistic experience, one that feels almost divine in its intensity. This sensation is described as feeling 'better than love,' indicating a temporary high that surpasses the emotional depth and complexity of love.

The song also explores the dichotomy between light and darkness, with lines like 'Another second in the sunshine, a decade in the dark.' This contrast highlights the fleeting nature of these euphoric moments and the long periods of emptiness that often follow. The lyrics question whether these moments of escapism are worth the cost, asking, 'Does it feel better than love?' This rhetorical question suggests a sense of doubt and introspection, as the temporary highs are juxtaposed with the enduring nature of love.

The recurring theme of turning away and closing one's eyes symbolizes a desire to escape reality. However, the song acknowledges that running away is 'not enough,' implying that these moments of escapism are ultimately unfulfilling. The imagery of 'lights through the rain' that 'never change' serves as a metaphor for the constant, unchanging nature of reality, despite the temporary highs. The song leaves listeners pondering the true value of these fleeting moments of pleasure compared to the lasting, albeit complex, nature of love.