Meaning of "Here We Go" by Shelter
"Here We Go" delves into the complexities and contradictions of romantic relationships. The song opens with the observation that both partners in a relationship may be using each other for their own desires - one using love for sex and the other using sex for love. This sets the stage for a cycle of hope and disappointment. The lines, "If we place a blindfold on our eyes, then iron and gold appear the same," suggests that in the pursuit of love, it becomes easy to mistake mere attraction for something deeper and more valuable.
The lyrics continue to express the longing for a meaningful connection, with the hope that the next relationship will be "the one." However, the song recognizes that people often fail to learn from their past mistakes. Despite hitting walls and experiencing disappointments, the protagonist remains optimistic, believing that eventually they will find the answer they seek.
The line, "Based on beauty love soon dies, then we make our move to separate," points out the inherent flaws of relationships built solely on physical attractiveness. Such relationships do not have a strong foundation and are doomed to fail. The lyrics suggest that true love requires more than just surface-level attraction; it requires a deeper connection based on genuine emotional compatibility.
The repetition of the phrase "here we go again" emphasizes the cyclical nature of relationships and the tendency to repeat the same mistakes. The lyrics imply that despite the potential for pain and disappointment, individuals continue to pursue love, hoping that the next time will be different.
Ultimately, the song suggests that love is not always approached with wisdom. People get attached, make the same errors, yet continue to yearn for love regardless. The repetition of the line "we love not wisely but too well" reinforces the idea that love can be irrational and overwhelming, leading individuals to make poor choices. However, it also implies that love is a powerful force that drives us to seek connection, even when it may not always be in our best interest.