Lightning
The Wanted
The Electrifying Thrill of Love in 'Lightning' by The Wanted
The song 'Lightning' by The Wanted captures the exhilarating and somewhat dangerous feeling of falling deeply in love. The lyrics describe a relationship that is intense and electrifying, likening the experience to playing with lightning. This metaphor suggests that while the connection is thrilling and life-affirming, it also carries an element of risk and unpredictability. The repeated imagery of electricity and lightning underscores the powerful and uncontrollable nature of their emotions.
The song opens with the idea of being 'in control' and then quickly shifts to a sense of losing that control, as the protagonist feels their heartbeat pause and the air stolen from their lungs. This sets the stage for the emotional rollercoaster that follows. The chorus emphasizes the life-changing impact of a kiss, describing it as 'the kiss of life' and acknowledging the fear that comes with such intense feelings. The line 'we might as well be playing with lightning' encapsulates the duality of their relationship—both thrilling and perilous.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the lovers are aware that their time together is fleeting and must be savored. The lyrics 'learning things they don't teach in the classroom' and 'out of control like a surge of electric' further highlight the idea that this relationship is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that defies conventional understanding. The repetition of 'your skin, your touch, your kiss' in the bridge reinforces the physical and emotional intensity of their connection, making it clear that this love is all-consuming and transformative.