Since the earliest times... even before Song of Solomon and David’s Psalms, music and lyrics helped us try to describe what our relationships mean to us.
What are your top 5 love-themed songs? Chances are, they’re from the time you “courted,” forming new relationships and solidifying your commitments. My parents’ favorites were the songs they could square dance to. My sister loved the pop music of the mid 60’s. I dated listening to U2, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and the Indigo Girls.
Love songs are the soundtrack to our most intimate moments and memories. One note can transport us from our current… to our happiest past. From heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat anthems, these songs capture the complexities and beauty of human emotions.
Whitney Houston's version of Dolly Parton’s "I Will Always Love You," always makes me pause. It’s a poignant declaration of everlasting love, despite circumstances or obstacles. Houston's soulful rendition is a staple at weddings and romantic occasions, and always reminds me of the power of love.
Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" has cemented its place as a modern-day love anthem. The song's melody and heartfelt lyrics lift up the enduring nature of love. I’ve heard it played as the first dance at multiple weddings, a symbol of the start of a new chapter in a couple's life together.
Of course, there’s the other end of the spectrum: heartbreak. Adele's "Someone Like You" explores the raw emotion of vulnerability, mourning the loss of a relationship. A melancholic melody captures the pain of lost love, resonating with anyone who has experienced the sting of a breakup. And her voice. Adele's powerful vocals evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, making it a cathartic anthem for anyone who is navigating the complexities of love and loss.
Thankfully, a love song doesn’t have to be romantic. Pharrell Williams' "Happy" is a celebration of love in many forms. It can describe a person, a thought, a feeling, a moment in time. The song's infectious beat and uplifting lyrics remind us of the joy that love can bring to our lives. It’s a feel-good anthem for any occasion.
Beyond romantic love, songs like John Legend's "All of Me" celebrate the devotion found in a committed relationship. And that voice. Legend's soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics express a love that transcends imperfections, something few love songs talk about. It’s a timeless classic, resonating with couples who’ve weathered a storm or two and are still standing. The song reaffirms the enduring bond between partners.
U2’s “All I Want Is You” became my favorite song when I played it as a DJ for high school dances in the 90’s. I ended every program with it, for a simple reason: it articulates a singular focus on MY date. So many songs about love offer generalities and platitudes. Even with the noted exceptions above, so many “date” songs appeal to the masses. In contrast, I only want this song to appeal to an audience of one.
Love songs hold a special place in our hearts, reminders of the beauty, pain, and joy of love. Whether celebrating newfound romance, mourning lost love, or honoring lifelong partnerships, these songs offer a place to hang our memories, ready to retrieve them every time we hear “our” song. Why don't you listen to your favorite now?
All of Me ♥️