Meaning of "Love Ballad" by Tove Lo

The lyrics of "Love Ballad" delve into the theme of extreme devotion and sacrifice in the name of love. The narrator expresses a willingness to go to the most extreme lengths for their partner, even to the point of self-mutilation and violence. This portrayal of love as an all-encompassing force that drives the narrator to such drastic measures suggests an unhealthy and misguided understanding of love. It reflects a sense of desperation and a fear of losing the loved one, leading to a distorted perception of what love entails. This extreme devotion is portrayed as never-ending and unchanging, implying that the sacrifices made for love should be constant and ongoing.

The lyrics also touch on addiction and possessiveness in the context of love. The line "Breathing your air, addictive, I swear / I'll never leave" suggests a dependence on the loved one, as if their very presence is necessary for the narrator's survival. This dependency can be seen as unhealthy, as it denies individual autonomy and fosters an unhealthy attachment. The lyrics further emphasize possessiveness through the references to violence, such as "Getting in fights if you say it's right / Shoot them all down." This displays a willingness to engage in violence to protect or assert ownership over the loved one, indicating a possessive and controlling aspect to the narrator's love.

Overall, the lyrics of "Love Ballad" portray a distorted perception of love that involves extreme sacrifice, possessiveness, and a sense of desperation. It sheds light on the destructive tendencies that can arise when love is misunderstood and taken to unhealthy extremes.