It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)

Roxette's 'It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)' is a poignant ballad that delves into the sorrow and longing that accompany the end of a romantic relationship. The song opens with vivid imagery of a cold, lonely winter morning, setting the stage for the emotional journey that follows. The lyrics, 'Lay a whisper on my pillow / Leave the winter on the ground,' evoke a sense of quiet desolation, emphasizing the stark contrast between the warmth of past love and the present emptiness.

The chorus, 'It must have been love but it's over now,' serves as a recurring lament, highlighting the singer's struggle to come to terms with the end of a cherished relationship. The repetition of this line underscores the difficulty of accepting the loss, as well as the bittersweet memories that linger. The metaphor of 'water flows' and 'wind blows' suggests the inevitability and natural progression of life, even as the singer grapples with the pain of separation.

The song also touches on the theme of escapism, with lines like 'I close my eyes and dream away' and 'Make believing we're together.' These moments of fantasy provide temporary solace but ultimately reinforce the reality of the breakup. The mention of Christmas adds an extra layer of melancholy, as the holiday season is traditionally associated with togetherness and joy. In this context, 'a hard Christmas Day' becomes a symbol of the singer's isolation and heartache. Roxette's emotive delivery and the song's haunting melody combine to create a powerful expression of love lost and the enduring impact it leaves behind.