Meaning of "After All This Time" by Simon Webbe

The lyrics of "After All This Time" delve into the enduring nature of love, even in the face of adversity. The broken stones and pain refer to the obstacles and challenges that the couple has faced throughout their relationship. Despite these difficulties, the woman's love for her partner remains strong. The line "Learning to barely feel the pain, thicker the skin the less the strain" suggests that she has learned to cope with the pain and has developed a resilience that allows her to continue loving him.

The song also highlights the idea of perception and maintaining appearances. To the outside eye, their family appears to be perfect, and the woman wants to uphold this image. This could imply societal pressure to present a happy facade, even when things are not ideal. She wants to protect the perception of their relationship, even if it means hiding the pain she may be experiencing.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of growth and aging. "Bones have to grow, and age it shows, though we try and hide it" reflects the natural progression of life and the changes that come with it. Despite these changes, the woman still sees the boy she fell in love with behind her partner's tired eyes. This line suggests that she holds onto the memories and the initial feelings that made her love him, and that's why she continues to love him for the rest of her life.

Overall, "After All This Time" explores the resilience of love and the ability to still find beauty and meaning in a relationship, even when faced with challenges and flaws. It also touches on the pressures of maintaining appearances and the nostalgia of holding onto the person someone once was.