A Love So Beautiful
Roy Orbison
The Lingering Glow of Lost Love
Roy Orbison's "A Love So Beautiful" is a poignant ballad that reflects on a past love that was once vibrant and full of promise. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a bittersweet longing for what has been lost. The song begins with the imagery of a summer sun looking down on a love from long ago, suggesting a warm and bright period in the narrator's life that is now a distant memory. The repeated phrase 'a love so beautiful' emphasizes the depth and purity of the emotions that were once shared, highlighting the beauty of the relationship in its prime.
The song also touches on the theme of youthful naivety, with the lines 'We were too young to understand / To ever know' suggesting that the lovers were not fully aware of the complexities of love and how easily it can fade. This idea is further reinforced by the notion that 'lovers drift apart and that's the way love goes,' indicating a resigned acceptance of the natural ebb and flow of relationships. Despite this acceptance, there is a palpable sense of regret that this love was allowed to 'slip away,' hinting at missed opportunities and the pain of hindsight.
Orbison's delivery of the song, with his distinctive voice, adds a layer of emotional weight to the lyrics. The refrain 'I fall in love again' captures the enduring impact of the relationship on the narrator's heart, suggesting that the love they shared continues to resonate within him, even though it is no longer present. The song's melancholic tone is a testament to the lasting impression that love can leave on our lives, long after it has ended.