Meaning of "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave" by Martha And The Vandellas

The lyrics of "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave" explore the powerful and consuming nature of love. The metaphor of a heat wave conveys the intense and uncontrollable feelings that the singer experiences when she is with her lover. The burning sensation represents the passionate desire and longing that love can ignite within someone. The line "Could it be a devil in me" suggests that the overwhelming nature of love may be seen as a negative force or even an internal conflict. The singer questions whether these intense emotions are normal and wonders if there is something inherently wrong with her for feeling this way.

The repetition of "It's tearing me apart" emphasizes the emotional turmoil that the singer is going through. Love has the ability to bring both joy and pain, and the lyrics capture the dualistic nature of this experience. The use of the phrase "soft, low, sweet, and plain" in describing the way her lover calls her name highlights the tenderness and intimacy of their connection.

The lyrics also touch on the physical and physiological effects of love. The reference to high blood pressure suggests that the singer's emotions are impacting her health and well-being. This further emphasizes the overwhelming power of love and its ability to consume a person's entire being.

The chorus serves as a release for the intense emotions described throughout the song. The repetition of "Ooh, heat wave" signifies the all-encompassing nature of love and the inability to escape its grip. The additional lines expressing confusion and amazement demonstrate the singer's bewilderment at the depth of her feelings.

Overall, "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave" portrays love as a force that can simultaneously bring pleasure and pain, joy and turmoil. It captures the all-consuming nature of love and the internal struggle that comes with experiencing such intense emotions.