The Best Thing
Savage Garden
Navigating the Roller Coaster of Love in 'The Best Thing' by Savage Garden
Savage Garden's song 'The Best Thing' delves into the complexities and emotional turbulence of a deep romantic relationship. The lyrics express a profound fear of vulnerability and the struggle to fully embrace the intensity of love. The repeated lines 'Never want to fly, never want to leave, never want to say what you mean to me' highlight the narrator's reluctance to confront their feelings, suggesting a fear of losing control or being hurt. This reluctance is juxtaposed with the acknowledgment that the person they love is the best thing about them, creating a tension between fear and admiration.
The song uses vivid metaphors to describe the emotional highs and lows of the relationship. Phrases like 'roller coaster riding love' and 'center of adrenaline' convey the exhilarating yet unpredictable nature of their connection. The imagery of 'walking on broken glass' and 'making my way through fire' illustrates the lengths the narrator is willing to go for love, despite the potential for pain and sacrifice. This duality of thrill and danger encapsulates the intoxicating yet perilous experience of being in love.
Moreover, the song touches on the theme of losing oneself in a relationship. The line 'You're so close where do you end where do I begin?' reflects the blurring of boundaries between the two individuals, indicating a deep emotional entanglement. The narrator's 'head up in the stratosphere' suggests a sense of being overwhelmed and disoriented by the intensity of their feelings. Despite these challenges, the repeated refrain 'You're the best thing about me' underscores the narrator's realization that their partner is a source of immense value and joy in their life, even if it comes with its own set of complications.