Meaning of "Oh to Be in Love" by Kate Bush

The lyrics of "Oh to Be in Love" by Kate Bush depicts the experience of being swept away by the overwhelming power of love. The narrator finds herself caught up in a situation that seems hazy and undefined, unable to comprehend how she arrived at this moment. This reflects the unpredictable nature of love and the sense of being carried along without control. The repetition of the question, "Why did you have to choose our moment? Why did you have to make me feel that? Why did you make it so unreal?" emphasizes the intensity and confusion that love can bring. The narrator feels deeply connected to this person and questions why they have chosen her out of everyone else.

The longing to be in love and never escape its clutches symbolizes the desire for eternal bliss and the fear of losing the euphoria that love brings. The repetition of "O-o-oh to be in love, never get out again" reinforces this yearning to remain in a state of love indefinitely. The narrator believes that love brings an enhanced perception of the world, describing how colors become brighter and everything seems new. This portrays the transformative power of love, which can make even ordinary experiences feel extraordinary.

The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of time and the desire to hold onto precious moments. The line "Slipping into tomorrow too quick, yesterday always too good to forget" reflects the struggle of trying to balance living in the present while cherishing past memories. The narrator wishes to halt the passage of time, symbolized by the plea to "stop the swing of the pendulum," in order to fully experience and hold onto the joy of love.

Overall, "Oh to Be in Love" explores the intoxication, confusion, longing, and desire for permanence that can accompany the experience of being in love. It captures the intensity and transformative nature of love, as well as the simultaneous fear of its ephemeral nature.