If It is Love
Laura Alden
The Bittersweet Echoes of Love and Loss
Laura Alden's song "If It is Love" delves into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the lingering emotions that follow a relationship's end. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's emotional landscape, filled with memories and reflections on a past love. The song opens with a nostalgic recollection of moments spent together, juxtaposed with the pain of deceit and the struggle to rationalize the lies told by the former lover. This sets the tone for a journey through the narrator's inner turmoil and longing.
The recurring theme of loneliness is poignantly expressed through the imagery of "lonely nights" and the willingness to risk everything just to catch a glimpse of the loved one at dawn. The metaphor of the sky painting them orange symbolizes a fleeting moment of connection and warmth amidst the coldness of separation. The narrator's yearning is palpable, especially in the quiet hours of the early morning, where the absence of the loved one is most acutely felt. The refrain, "If it is love it doesn't matter in the end," suggests a resignation to the idea that love, despite its intensity, may ultimately be inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.
Alden's lyrics also explore the physical spaces that hold emotional significance, such as the iris-lined window and the pink stained glass of the living room. These details evoke a sense of place and memory, grounding the abstract feelings of heartache in tangible settings. The song's climax, where the narrator finds themselves in a field of cornflowers, screaming out their frustration, captures the raw, unfiltered emotion of realizing the futility of holding onto a love that was always destined to end. The song's melancholic yet reflective tone invites listeners to ponder their own experiences with love and loss, making it a deeply relatable and moving piece.