Meaning of "Love Ruins Everything" by Lloyd Cole

The lyrics of "Love Ruins Everything" by Lloyd Cole delve into the transformative power of love and its bittersweet repercussions. The speaker starts by introspectively observing the changes within themselves, symbolized by their once trademark frown now being replaced by an easy smile. The mention of their drunken friends questioning where things went wrong implies a sense of regret or uncertainty about the effects of love on their life. The repetition of the question "Who's going to carry us home?" highlights a longing for someone to provide comfort or support in the aftermath of love's consequences. The observation of others at the party, both men and women, making excuses and engaging in superficial conversations adds to the melancholic tone, as the speaker appears detached yet resigned to the idea that love has tainted their perception of the world. The final lines, "I'll be smiling in my sleep," suggest a sense of acceptance or resignation to the idea that despite the pain and ruin caused by love, there is still some semblance of peace or contentment found in dreams or subconscious thoughts.