Meaning of "Secret Love" by Sam Cooke

The lyrics of "Secret Love" by Sam Cooke explore the experience of unrequited love and the feeling of wanting to express one's feelings for someone but being afraid to do so. The speaker initially keeps their love hidden, describing it as a secret that they carry within them. However, as time goes on, the love becomes too overwhelming to keep to themselves, leading them to confess their feelings to someone or something symbolically represented by a "friendly star" and "golden daffodils." By finally opening up about their emotions, the speaker experiences a sense of relief and freedom as their secret love is no longer a secret. The song captures the bittersweet journey of unmasking hidden feelings and the vulnerability that comes with expressing love.