A pivotal moment in the history of Van Halen arrived when David Lee Roth and the band parted ways. Just a year later, the rock world witnessed the release of 5150, Van Halen’s seventh studio album, introducing Sammy Hagar as their new frontman. In an era dominated by MTV and visually-driven music, Van Halen made a bold statement by choosing to forgo music videos for the initial singles. They let the music, and the voice of their new singer, speak for itself, starting with the very first post-Roth single, “Why Can’t This Be Love.” This track immediately ignited conversations and divided fans, yet it undeniably marked a new chapter for the band.
Upon its release, “Why Can’t This Be Love” became a lightning rod for Van Halen enthusiasts. Some wholeheartedly embraced Hagar, while others remained skeptical or fiercely loyal to Roth. The Hagar versus Roth debates were instantly set in motion. Despite the initial division, something undeniably clicked with the listening public. 5150 represented a sonic evolution, a fresh sound for Van Halen, and it resonated deeply, propelling the album to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 charts. “Why Can’t This Be Love,” Hagar’s debut single with the band, mirrored this success, climbing to No. 3 on the Hot 100.
‘That Funny Feeling Again’: Unpacking the Lyrics of Unrequited Love
At the heart of “Why Can’t This Be Love lyrics” lies a poignant exploration of unrequited affection. The song delves into the confusing and often painful emotions of loving someone who doesn’t seem to reciprocate those feelings in the same way. The lyrics vividly depict a love that feels intensely real and powerful – it blows ’em all away – yet it’s met with a sense of emotional distance or lack of commitment from the other person.
Whoa, here it comes
That funny feeling again
Winding me up inside
Every time we touch
These opening lines immediately capture the intoxicating yet unsettling nature of this love. The “funny feeling” suggests a mix of excitement and anxiety, a physical and emotional response that’s triggered by mere touch. The speaker is clearly captivated, “wound up inside,” emphasizing the intensity of their emotions.
Hey, I don’t know
Oh, tell me where to begin
’Cause I never, ever, felt so much
Hey!
And I can’t recall
Any love at all
Oh, baby, this blows ’em all away
This verse underscores the novelty and overwhelming nature of these feelings. The speaker is almost lost for words, unsure “where to begin” to articulate the depth of their emotions. The line “I can’t recall any love at all” might be hyperbole, but it effectively conveys that this feeling is unlike anything they’ve experienced before. “This blows ’em all away” reiterates the sheer magnitude of this love in their life.
It’s got what it takes
So, tell me why can’t this be love?
Straight from my heart
Oh, tell me why can’t this be love?
The chorus is the emotional core of the song and the key to understanding “why can’t this be love lyrics” resonate with so many. The repeated question, “why can’t this be love?” is a cry of frustration and confusion. The speaker believes “it’s got what it takes” – the connection, the chemistry, the intense feelings – to be real love. Yet, there’s a barrier, an unanswered question that leaves them in a state of emotional limbo. The phrase “straight from my heart” emphasizes the sincerity and vulnerability of their feelings.
A New Sonic Direction for Van Halen
Beyond the lyrical content exploring the complexities of love, 5150 and “Why Can’t This Be Love” also signaled a distinct sonic shift for Van Halen. The album embraced a more keyboard-driven sound, a departure from their earlier, guitar-heavy work. This evolution is immediately apparent in “Why Can’t This Be Love,” with its prominent and catchy keyboard riff. Interestingly, when performing the song live, Eddie Van Halen himself took on the keyboard parts, while Hagar handled the vocals and guitar duties, including the solos.
This new sound, as Hagar himself recounted, was both intriguing and initially met with some resistance. “The old people that were in doubt, they heard (imitates keyboard riff notes) ‘Why Can’t This Be Love’ and they just went, ‘Whoa, this is a new sound for Van Halen,’” Hagar explained in a 2023 interview. He further elaborated that the keyboard riff, while distinct, possessed a guitar-like quality, differentiating it from synthesizer-heavy tracks like “Jump.” While some long-time guitar purists might have initially balked at this change, it undeniably broadened Van Halen’s appeal, attracting a “whole new audience.” Ultimately, as Hagar noted, the band managed to satisfy both their existing fanbase and these new listeners, leading to sold-out shows and continued success.
The Enduring Legacy of a Love Questioned
Despite Sammy Hagar’s departure from Van Halen in 1996 and subsequent changes in band members, “Why Can’t This Be Love” has maintained a significant place in both Van Halen’s history and Hagar’s solo career. Even during periods apart, the song remained a touchstone. Hagar rejoined Van Halen for the “Best of Both Worlds Tour” in the early 2000s and, in a symbolic moment, performed “Why Can’t This Be Love” with original bassist Michael Anthony at Van Halen’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2007.
The song’s enduring appeal was further highlighted in September 2023 when Hagar joined The Killers onstage at the Ohana Festival. Brandon Flowers, The Killers’ frontman, playfully asked the crowd, “Is it too late to blow your minds again?” before introducing Hagar. As The Killers launched into “Why Can’t This Be Love,” Hagar stepped onto the stage, seamlessly taking over the vocal lead. This recent performance, decades after the song’s initial release, underscores the timeless quality of “Why Can’t This Be Love” and the enduring resonance of its central question about love, longing, and the frustrating ambiguity of the heart.
Alt text for image: Sammy Hagar performing with Brandon Flowers of The Killers at the Ohana Festival 2023, singing “Why Can’t This Be Love”, showcasing the song’s continued popularity.
