Never Before

Deep Purple's song 'Never Before' delves into the raw and painful emotions of heartbreak and betrayal. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is deeply hurt and seeking solace from a friend. The repeated plea for help underscores the depth of his despair, as he confesses that he has never felt so bad before. This repetition emphasizes the intensity of his emotional turmoil and the unprecedented nature of his suffering.

The song's narrative reveals a past relationship that left the protagonist scarred. The lines 'I was hurt when I was younger / By a woman who was cold' suggest a formative experience of betrayal that has had a lasting impact on him. The imagery of the woman taking his name, body, and soul, only to discard them, conveys a profound sense of loss and dehumanization. This metaphor highlights the emotional and psychological damage inflicted by the relationship, leaving the protagonist feeling empty and soulless.

The song also touches on the theme of identity and the struggle to move on from past trauma. The line 'One name two people / All in a row' suggests a confusion of identity and the difficulty of disentangling oneself from a painful past. The protagonist's inability to hide his misery and the acknowledgment that his sorrow won't set him free reflect a sense of entrapment and hopelessness. 'Never Before' is a poignant exploration of the lingering effects of heartbreak and the desperate need for support and understanding in the face of overwhelming emotional pain.