“L” Lyrics – The Volunteers

[Verse 1]
It always starts with an “L”
And makes you open your heart
It’s very addictive and giving
Even if it lets you down
It always starts with an “L”
Whether it’s a losing game
Or valuing each other for nothing
Everlasting pain

[Chorus]
Take me back

To when I never knew what love was
Take me back
Take me back
When I never knew how fast it can let you down
How love can treat me so bad

[Verse 2]
When I was young
When I was a kid
All I knew was the
Unconditional love by my father
Now I’m old enough
Giving love to strangers
And making love
Proving my heart
‘Til it’s all gone
Nothing to recover

[Chorus]
Take me back
To when I never knew what love was
Take me back
Take me back
When I never knew what love was
Take me back

Take me back
Take me back
When I never knew how fast it can let you down
How love can treat me so bad

[Instrumental Outro]

[Verse 1]
The first verse of “L” reflects on the nature of love, symbolized by the letter “L.” Love is described as something that encourages vulnerability and generosity, even though it can also disappoint and cause pain. It touches on the dual aspects of love: sometimes resembling a futile endeavor or leading to enduring suffering.

[Chorus]
The chorus expresses a longing to return to a time of innocence, before experiencing the harsh realities of love. The singer wishes to go back to a time when they were unaware of love’s ability to let them down quickly and to hurt deeply. It reflects a nostalgia for simpler times and a desire to shield oneself from the pain love can bring.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, the singer contrasts their childhood experience of unconditional love from a father with their adult experience of giving love to strangers and engaging in romantic relationships. It highlights the loss of innocence and the transformation of love from pure and safe to risky and potentially unrewarding, leaving the heart vulnerable and depleted.

[Chorus]
The repeated chorus intensifies the longing to return to a state of innocence regarding love, emphasizing the suddenness with which love can disappoint and inflict emotional pain. It echoes the desire to rewind time to avoid the hurtful consequences of love that have been learned through experience.

[Instrumental Outro]
The instrumental outro likely serves to evoke emotions and reflect on the themes presented in the song without words, allowing listeners to absorb and contemplate the message conveyed about the complexities and challenges of love.

1. “It always starts with an ‘L'”
This phrase symbolizes how every romantic journey or experience begins with love, represented by the letter ‘L’. It suggests that love is fundamental and initiates all emotional connections.

2. “It’s very addictive and giving”
Describes love as something irresistible and generous, highlighting its ability to captivate and inspire selflessness in relationships, despite potential disappointments.

3. “Even if it lets you down”
Acknowledges that love can sometimes disappoint or hurt, despite its positive aspects, reflecting the inevitable risks and challenges in emotional bonds.

4. “Whether it’s a losing game”
Suggests that love can feel like a game where one might not always win, emphasizing the uncertainty and vulnerability involved in romantic relationships.

5. “Everlasting pain”
Conveys the lasting emotional impact of love, both positive and negative, implying that the effects of love, even when painful, can endure over time.