The lyrics of "Legendary Hearts" reflect on the struggles of living up to the ideal of legendary love, comparing it to the reality of relationships that are flawed, stained, and ultimately human. The song references Romeo and his imperfections, highlighting the contrast between romanticized notions of love and the messy, complicated nature of relationships.

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Meaning of "Legendary Hearts" by Lou Reed


The lyrics of "Legendary Hearts" delve into the theme of idealized love versus the reality of human relationships. Lou Reed's poetic verses explore the concept of legendary love, portraying it as a transcendent, larger-than-life force that haunts our dreams and desires. However, as the song progresses, it becomes evident that the speaker is grappling with the idea that legendary love is not attainable in its purest form. The references to Romeo, a symbol of romantic love, emphasize this dichotomy between idealized notions of love and its actual messy, imperfect nature. The song ultimately conveys the message that while legendary love may be an unattainable ideal, the true battle lies in fighting for the imperfect, flawed love that exists in the here and now.