Meaning of "Now Love Has No End" by Michael Franks
The lyrics of "Now Love Has No End" explore the narrator's journey from a disillusioned perspective on love to a more hopeful and profound understanding. As a child, the narrator found solace in poetry and movies, where love was depicted as pure and all-encompassing. However, as they grew up, they realized that real-life relationships couldn't measure up to the idealized versions they had seen on screen or read about in books.
The line "No face was shining there to meet me, in soft focus" suggests that the narrator couldn't find a love that matched their expectations. They felt let down by the reality of romantic relationships, which didn't possess the ethereal quality they had imagined. The reference to stormy weather hiding the moon symbolizes the narrator's belief that they were always caught in difficult or doomed relationships, unable to find lasting love.
However, everything changes when the narrator meets someone who brings light into their life. This person's smile becomes a guiding force, leading the narrator to a place where they no longer feel lost. The metaphor of being guided to an island represents finding a place of safety and contentment within this new relationship.
The lyrics express a sense of gratitude and wonder at this newfound understanding of love. The narrator acknowledges that it may sound cliché to say that love has no end, but they can't help but believe it now. The line "It's always better late than never, for forever" suggests that even though it took them a while to find this realization, it is never too late to experience a love that is true and enduring.
Overall, "Now Love Has No End" is a song that explores the transformation of the narrator's views on love. It speaks to the power of love to change perspectives, heal wounds, and provide a sense of belonging. The lyrics remind us that love is not limited to the fictionalized versions we see in books and movies; it is a force that can transcend time and bring fulfillment to our lives.
