Meaning of "Never Knew Love" by They Might Be Giants

"Never Knew Love" by They Might Be Giants delves into the theme of love and its nuances. The singer expresses surprise and a sense of being out of their depth when faced with the depth and complexity of love. The lyrics convey a feeling of exploration and realization, as the singer comes to terms with the fact that love is not a straightforward or easy concept. The reference to cartography and mountainsides of daydreams implies that the journey of understanding love is like navigating through unfamiliar terrain, with its challenges and surprises. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the singer's disbelief at the newfound understanding of love, suggesting a profound shift in their perspective. The contrast between biography and semaphore, secrets, and pretend highlights the idea that love transcends surface-level understanding and requires deeper, more profound connections. The final verse, questioning whether there has ever been love, hints at a deeper existential contemplation on the nature of love and its impact on those who experience it. Overall, the song conveys a sense of wonder, introspection, and realization about the complexities of love, painting a picture of a journey towards understanding and appreciation of this universal yet enigmatic emotion.