Love Is

Emmylou Harris's song "Love Is" explores the complex and multifaceted nature of love through a series of vivid metaphors and imagery. The lyrics paint love as a diverse and sometimes contradictory experience, likening it to a "shiny car," a "steel guitar," and a "battle scar." These comparisons suggest that love can be both beautiful and painful, a source of joy and a cause of suffering. The use of musical references like "twelve-bar blues" and "blue suede shoes" adds a cultural layer, connecting love to the universal language of music and its ability to evoke deep emotions.

The song also delves into the idea that love is both a personal and universal experience. Harris sings about love as a "mine of gold" and a "drowning soul," highlighting its potential to enrich and overwhelm. The recurring line "love is the pleasures I'm told" suggests that love is often defined by societal expectations, yet the singer's personal experience of love defies these norms, as it "has no reason, has no rhyme." This line emphasizes the unpredictable and irrational nature of love, which can transcend conventional boundaries, represented by the phrase "cross the double line."

Emmylou Harris, known for her emotive voice and storytelling prowess, uses this song to capture the essence of love's complexity. Her ability to weave together different aspects of love into a cohesive narrative reflects her deep understanding of human emotions. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love, recognizing its ability to be both a source of comfort and confusion, a journey that is uniquely personal yet universally shared.