Show Me Love

Laura Mvula's 'Show Me Love' is a poignant exploration of longing, loss, and the deep emotional scars left by a profound love. The song opens with a heartfelt plea to God, expressing a deep-seated need to belong to someone. This sets the tone for the entire piece, as Mvula reflects on the physical and emotional intimacy she misses—the breath of a kiss, the wonder of a shared future, and the simple act of waking up next to someone. These lines capture the universal human desire for connection and the pain of its absence.

As the song progresses, Mvula delves into the bittersweet memories of a past relationship. She questions the reality of the love she experienced, wondering why it hurts so much if it wasn't real. This rhetorical question underscores the depth of her emotional turmoil. The imagery of being torn apart by a change in the wind or a cloud in the sky suggests that the end of the relationship was sudden and unexpected, adding to the sense of loss and confusion. Despite the pain, Mvula acknowledges the profound impact this love had on her, describing it as 'the deepest kind' and lamenting that she will never find another love like it.

In the latter part of the song, Mvula expresses a glimmer of hope for healing, though she acknowledges it will take time. The idea of moving mountains together and reaching for a prayer that begins with an old story suggests a belief in the possibility of overcoming great obstacles and finding wholeness again. However, the repeated refrain of 'you showed me love' serves as a haunting reminder of what was lost. The song concludes with a mix of gratitude and sorrow, as Mvula thanks her lost love while also expressing regret and a sense of finality, encapsulated in the poignant line, 'And it's too late, it's too late.'

'Laura Mvula's 'Show Me Love' is a deeply emotional ballad that resonates with anyone who has experienced the profound ache of lost love. Through her evocative lyrics and soulful delivery, Mvula captures the essence of longing, heartbreak, and the enduring impact of a love that once was.