Meaning of "Unchained Melody" by She & Him

The lyrics of "Unchained Melody" delve into the universal themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. The repetition of "Oh, my love" and "Oh, my darling" emphasizes the speaker's intense affection and desire for their partner. The lines "I've hungered for your touch" and "I need your love" highlight the narrator's deep longing and the emotional void they've experienced during the time apart. The reference to time moving slowly reflects the narrator's impatience and the arduousness of being separated from their loved one. The question "Are you still mine" reveals a sense of uncertainty, perhaps due to the prolonged absence or the fear of growing distant. The plea for God's speed in bringing love back to them portrays the narrator's desperation for a swift reunion.

The second half of the lyrics introduce the imagery of lonely rivers flowing to the sea. This symbolic representation suggests that the narrator's love and longing are as natural and inevitable as the rivers seeking the open arms of the sea. The repetition of "wait for me" reinforces the notion of the narrator's eventual return and their hope that their love will patiently endure the separation.

Overall, the lyrics of "Unchained Melody" convey a deep emotional longing for connection, a yearning for the touch and love of a cherished partner. The song explores the universal experience of feeling incomplete and yearning for the presence of loved ones. It captures the pangs of separation, the uncertainty of remaining in love, and the hopeful anticipation of a reunion.