Meaning of "When I Fall in Love" by Nat King Cole

"When I Fall in Love" by Nat King Cole explores the quest for true and lasting love in a world that often fails to nurture and sustain it. The song begins with the narrator expressing their belief that when they do fall in love, it will be a forever kind of love - intimate, unbreakable, and enduring. They contrast this notion with a recognition of the fickleness of modern relationships, stating that love often ends before it even has a chance to fully blossom. The line "In a restless world like this is, love is ended before it's begun" highlights the pervasive impermanence of love in a society marked by restlessness and transience.

The lyrics continue by mentioning "too many moonlight kisses" that seem to lose their warmth as soon as the sun rises. This imagery emphasizes the fleeting nature of infatuation and the tendency for initial passion to cool and fade over time. The narrator then pledges that when they eventually choose to give their heart, it will be with complete and unwavering devotion; otherwise, they will never open themselves up to the vulnerability and emotional investment required for love.

The song concludes by suggesting that the defining moment of falling in love is when the narrator can sense that their partner reciprocates their feelings. It is a beautiful expression of the mutual understanding and connection that forms the foundation of a deep and meaningful relationship. The repetition of the line "And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too is when I'll fall in love with you" underscores the significance of this shared understanding in the narrator's journey towards love.

Overall, "When I Fall in Love" conveys a longing for a love that defies the transitory nature of relationships in a restless world. It highlights the importance of finding a genuine, reciprocal connection that can withstand the passage of time and the challenges of life. The song serves as a reminder of the elusive quest for enduring love and the profound impact that it can have on our lives.