Meaning of "I Want You To Be My Love" by Over The Rhine

The song "I Want You To Be My Love" by Over The Rhine is a heartfelt expression of desire and longing for a specific person to reciprocate the speaker's feelings. The repetition of the phrase "I want you to be my love" serves as not only a reflection of the depth of the speaker's emotions but also as a plea to the person to consider becoming their love. By stating the desire to be known and the willingness to break promises and make vows, the speaker emphasizes the intensity and sincerity of their feelings.

The repeated line "I know you want me now" suggests that the speaker believes the person to have mutual feelings, adding an optimistic undertone to the song. By stating that they want the person "beneath the moon and the stars above," the speaker adds a touch of romanticism, emphasizing the desire for a deep and enduring connection.

The line "I know all you've been through" suggests a level of understanding and empathy on the speaker's part. It could imply that the speaker is aware of the person's past experiences and is still willing to pursue a relationship with them, despite any hardships they may have faced. This line adds a layer of compassion and support to the song's emotional content.

Overall, "I Want You To Be My Love" portrays the raw vulnerability and longing that come with developing strong feelings for someone. It captures the universal experience of desiring love and connection while highlighting sincere emotions and the willingness to go through ups and downs to achieve it.