Comes Love

Billie Holiday's 'Comes Love' is a poignant exploration of the inevitability and overpowering nature of love. The song juxtaposes various everyday challenges and inconveniences—like rain, snow, fires, and even headaches—with the all-consuming force of love. Each verse presents a problem and its practical solution, only to conclude with the refrain, 'Comes love, nothing can be done,' emphasizing that love is an unstoppable force that defies any attempt at control or remedy.

The lyrics employ a series of metaphors to illustrate how love is different from other life challenges. For instance, while you can put on rubber boots to deal with rain or see a dentist for a toothache, there is no such straightforward solution for love. This comparison highlights the unique and often overwhelming nature of love, suggesting that it is a force beyond human control. The song's repetitive structure reinforces this idea, making it clear that love is a universal experience that everyone must face, regardless of their circumstances.

Billie Holiday's soulful delivery adds another layer of depth to the song. Known for her emotive voice and ability to convey complex emotions, Holiday brings a sense of resignation and acceptance to the lyrics. Her performance suggests that while love can be challenging and even painful, it is also an essential part of the human experience. The song captures the bittersweet reality of love, acknowledging its difficulties while also celebrating its inevitability and power.

'Comes Love' is a timeless piece that resonates with listeners because it speaks to a fundamental truth about the human condition. Love, in all its complexity, is something that cannot be avoided or easily managed. It is a force that shapes our lives in profound ways, and Billie Holiday's rendition of this song beautifully captures that essence.