Love In The Past Tense

Porcupine Tree's 'Love In The Past Tense' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, loss, and the inevitable passage of time. The song opens with vivid imagery of a crowded skyline, smog, and cigarettes, setting a melancholic tone that reflects the polluted and chaotic nature of modern life. This backdrop serves as a metaphor for the emotional and relational decay experienced by the characters in the song. The phrase 'poisoning the well for those below alone' suggests a sense of isolation and the detrimental impact of external factors on personal well-being.

The lyrics then shift to a more intimate perspective, addressing a 'beautiful young soul' and expressing a deep, almost desperate, trust and affection. The line 'I lose all self-control' indicates a surrender to love, while 'wave goodbye to youth' signifies the end of an era, perhaps a youthful romance that has now faded. The recurring phrase 'Love in the past tense' underscores the theme of looking back on a love that once was, but is no longer present. This reflection is tinged with regret and a sense of inevitability, as the characters acknowledge that 'what is born will die in time.'

The chorus, with its repetition of 'falling back to earth' and 'we get what we deserve,' suggests a return to reality and the acceptance of consequences. The imagery of 'strength to split the sky' juxtaposes the grandeur of aspirations with the harsh truth that all things, including love, are transient. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance of this transience, encapsulated in the repeated refrain 'Love in the past tense.' This repetition emphasizes the finality and irrevocability of the past, leaving the listener with a profound sense of melancholy and reflection on the impermanence of love and life.