Then

Brad Paisley's song "Then" is a heartfelt ode to the evolution of love over time. The lyrics take us through the stages of a romantic relationship, from the initial meeting to the deep, enduring connection that develops over the years. The song begins with a nostalgic recollection of the first encounter, where the singer is instantly captivated by his future partner. This initial attraction quickly blossoms into love, even though he hasn't yet expressed his feelings out loud.

The chorus emphasizes the profound impact this person has had on his life, describing them as his "whole life" and "whole world." The metaphor of a river meeting the sea illustrates the natural and powerful growth of their love, which has only strengthened over time. The song continues to recount significant milestones, such as the moment he proposed, highlighting the depth of his emotions at each stage. Despite thinking he loved her as much as possible at each moment, he finds that his love continues to grow.

In the final verse, Paisley envisions a future together, imagining life with children and growing old side by side. This forward-looking perspective underscores the enduring nature of their bond. The repeated line, "And I thought I loved you then," serves as a poignant reminder that love is not static but continually deepens and evolves. Through its tender lyrics and vivid imagery, "Then" beautifully captures the essence of a lifelong, ever-growing love story.