Meaning of "I've Learned To Live" by Tanya Tucker

The lyrics of "I've Learned To Live" depict the journey of healing after a breakup or loss. The singer describes their initial feelings of emptiness and despair, comparing themselves to a lost child in a dark wilderness. The sense of being abandoned and left behind is palpable in lines like "Like a bird in flight brought down by stones" and "Like a thief who takes just what he needs." However, as the song progresses, the singer realizes that despite the pain, they have learned to live without the person who hurt them. The acknowledgment that they may never truly be over the person, but have found a way to survive and thrive despite the heartache, is a powerful message of resilience and growth. The lyrics convey a sense of acceptance and resilience, recognizing that the pain may linger, but it does not have to define the singer's future.