Meaning of "Lessons in Love (All Day, All Night)" by Neon Trees

In "Lessons in Love," Neon Trees captures the exhilaration and uncertainty that often accompany love and relationships. The opening lines describe the rush and panic the narrator feels when the person they are attracted to is near. The mention of not being good at following rules suggests that the narrator doesn't conform to societal expectations of how they should behave in relationships. Instead, they prefer to revel in the excitement of love and play the fool.

The chorus emphasizes the intensity of their feelings, with the repetition of "all day, all night" and the imagery of lights in their eyes. Falling for someone becomes a consuming experience, with the narrator acknowledging that staying cool and tough is never enough. They are fully immersed in the lessons love has to offer, regardless of the challenges it presents. The phrase "keep cool, stay tough" could also be interpreted as a reminder to themselves to remain strong amidst the uncertainty and emotional rollercoaster of love.

The second verse introduces a conflict between the narrator's desire to walk away and their inability to do so. The push they feel inside them illustrates the hold the person has on them, making it difficult to leave. The narrator yearns for the person to understand and feel what they are experiencing. This repetition of experiencing the rush and struggle "all the time" reinforces the idea that this is a recurring pattern for the narrator.

The repetition of the line "I got the lights in my eyes" throughout the song represents the intoxicating and blinding effect of love. It signifies being enthralled by another person to the point where everything else becomes secondary or fades away. The final lines of the song express a longing for the same rush over and over again, emphasizing the addictiveness of the experience.

Overall, "Lessons in Love" captures the thrill, confusion, and complexities of falling in love. It explores the idea that love doesn't always follow rules and can be messy and unpredictable. The narrator finds joy in embracing the unconventional and passionate aspects of love, even if it comes with its own set of challenges. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the experiences and emotions love brings.