Meaning of "I Thought I Knew What Love Was" by Tom Odell

The lyrics of "I Thought I Knew What Love Was" by Tom Odell explore the singer's journey of discovering the true nature of love. At first, the singer believed that love was easy and that it could be chosen. They believed that by trying hard, one couldn't lose and that love was purely pleasurable. However, their perspective shifts when they meet someone who introduces them to a different kind of love. This love is described as big, bright, and more like a storm. It overwhelms the singer and leaves them wanting more. Suddenly, their previous notions of love seem naive and insignificant. The singer thought love was simple and that they were on the right track, believing that if they kept giving, they would receive in return. They thought love was spoiled, but they realize they were wrong. When this person leaves, the singer's understanding of love is shattered once again. The new love they experienced is described as both sweet and stone cold, and crueler than cruel. It is long, harder, and has no rules. This realization leaves the singer questioning everything they previously thought they knew about love.

The meaning behind these lyrics is a reflection on the transformative power of love. The singer's initial understanding of love is portrayed as simplistic and innocent. They believed that love was easy to obtain and would bring pleasure. However, through their encounter with this mysterious person, their perspective is shattered. The new love they experience is intense, overwhelming, and unpredictable. It challenges their preconceived notions and forces them to reconsider what they thought love was.

The lyrics also highlight the complexity of love. It is portrayed as both sweet and cold, embodying contradictory emotions. Love is seen as something that can be both pleasurable and cruel, indicating that it is not always a straightforward or easy experience. The absence of rules further emphasizes the unpredictable nature of love. The singer's journey of understanding love shows that it is a multifaceted and challenging emotion that cannot be easily grasped or defined.

Overall, "I Thought I Knew What Love Was" explores the journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of love. It challenges the listener to reconsider their own understanding of love and highlights its complex and unpredictable nature.