Meaning of "Achin' All The Time" by Ray LaMontagne

The song "Achin' All The Time" explores the complexities of a troubled relationship where love alone is not enough to sustain it. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and sadness as the narrator admits that despite their strong feelings for the other person, the relationship is filled with constant fighting and disagreement. The line "when you're falling fast for someone but you know it just ain't right" highlights the internal struggle of being deeply attracted to someone but recognizing that the relationship is not healthy or fulfilling. The repetition of the line "woe some love is all that seems to get you through the night" suggests that despite the difficulties, love is still relied upon as a source of comfort and solace.

The second verse delves deeper into the narrator's perspective on love and giving. They express a belief in the idea that to receive love, one must give it. However, the relationship they are in has disproven this belief as the other person has not reciprocated their love. This realization leads to a sense of disillusionment and heartache, embodied in the repetition of the line "I find my mind is achin' all the time." The lyrics imply a cycle of disappointment where the narrator continues to give their heart to someone who does not appreciate or return their affection.

In the final verse, the lyrics take on a slightly different tone. The narrator shifts their focus from their own experiences to generalize about relationships where one person is oblivious to the other's true intentions. The line "if you give your heart to one that don't know promise from pretend" suggests that the consequences of investing in such a relationship are predictable. The narrator implies that the other person will appear unaffected and move on while the one who truly cares will be left heartbroken. The final repetition of "I find my mind is achin' all the time" serves as an affirmation of the pain and emotional toll that this kind of relationship takes on their psyche.

Overall, "Achin' All The Time" delves into the complexities of a tumultuous relationship where love is not enough to sustain it. It explores themes of unreciprocated affection, internal conflict, and the emotional toll of being in a relationship that is marked by constant arguing and turmoil.