Not The Loving Kind
The Twins
The Reluctance of Love: A Deep Dive into 'Not The Loving Kind' by The Twins
The Twins' song 'Not The Loving Kind' delves into the complexities of love and the reluctance to engage in romantic relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is being pursued by another, but who feels a deep sense of dread and fear at the prospect of love. The opening lines, 'Is this what you call life / Asking for trouble and longing for strife,' suggest a cynical view of romantic pursuits, indicating that the protagonist sees love as a source of trouble rather than joy.
The chorus, 'I can't deny it's true that love is blind / If you can't see that it's all in the mind / Just leave me be I'm not the loving kind,' reinforces the idea that the protagonist believes love is an illusion, something that exists more in the mind than in reality. This perspective is further emphasized by the repeated assertion that they are 'not the loving kind,' making it clear that they do not see themselves as capable of or interested in romantic love.
The song also touches on the futility of the pursuer's efforts, with lines like 'You know you won't succeed / In winning cocks with chicken feed' and 'Your efforts are effete / The stakes too high for easy meat.' These metaphors suggest that the pursuer's attempts are not only ineffective but also misguided. The protagonist urges the pursuer to 'admit defeat,' highlighting the inevitability of their failure. This adds a layer of resignation and finality to the song, making it a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the emotional barriers that can prevent people from engaging in romantic relationships.