Chequered Love

Kim Wilde's 'Chequered Love' delves into the complexities and contradictions of a turbulent romantic relationship. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both irresistible and fraught with challenges. Wilde's use of the term 'chequered' suggests a relationship marked by alternating periods of highs and lows, much like a chequered pattern. This metaphor is central to understanding the song's exploration of emotional volatility and the push-pull dynamics that often characterize intense romantic entanglements.

In the verses, Wilde juxtaposes conflicting emotions and perspectives. The lines 'You say everything's alright / I say nothing can go right' highlight the disconnect between the lovers, emphasizing the confusion and disillusionment that can arise in such relationships. The repetition of 'Oh what a game you can play' underscores the manipulative and unpredictable nature of the romance, suggesting that love can sometimes feel like a strategic game with no clear winner.

The chorus, with its declaration of 'I just can't get enough / Chequered love,' captures the addictive quality of the relationship. Despite acknowledging the roughness and toughness of their love, the narrator is drawn to it, unable to let go. This paradoxical attraction to something that causes both pleasure and pain is a common theme in many love songs, but Wilde's delivery and the song's energetic beat give it a unique edge. The repeated plea 'Oh I can't let go / 'cos I need you so tonight' further emphasizes the narrator's deep emotional dependency, highlighting the often irrational nature of love and desire.