Whitesnake’s “Is This Love” remains an enduring anthem for anyone who’s ever questioned the dizzying, overwhelming sensation of falling in love. The lyrics, penned by David Coverdale and John Sykes, perfectly encapsulate the vulnerability and uncertainty that often accompany the first rushes of intense romantic feelings. But what exactly do these iconic Is This Love Whitesnake Lyrics tell us about love itself? Let’s delve into the heart of this classic power ballad.
Decoding the Yearning in the Verses
The song opens with raw honesty: “I should have known better / Than to let you go alone, / It’s times like these / I can’t make it on my own.” These lines immediately establish a sense of dependence and regret. The speaker is clearly missing someone deeply, highlighting a void in their life created by this person’s absence. The “wasted days, and sleepless nights” paint a picture of longing and preoccupation, emotions anyone grappling with new, intense feelings can relate to.
The verses continue to explore this internal struggle: “I find I spend my time / Waiting on your call, / How can I tell you, baby / My back’s against the wall.” This illustrates the agonizing wait and the feeling of being trapped by these powerful emotions. The phrase “back’s against the wall” suggests a sense of desperation and vulnerability, emphasizing the speaker’s need for reassurance and reciprocation. He craves validation, seeking someone “by my side / To tell me it’s alright,” revealing a deep-seated insecurity about the nature of his feelings.
The Chorus: A Question of the Heart
The chorus is where the central question, and the core of the song, resides: “Is this love that I’m feeling, / Is this the love, that I’ve been searching for? / Is this love or am I dreaming, / This must be love, ‘Cos it’s really got a hold on me, / A hold on me…” This repetition isn’t just catchy; it’s a powerful expression of internal questioning. The speaker is caught between hope and disbelief. “Is this love or am I dreaming?” perfectly captures the surreal quality of intense infatuation, where reality and fantasy blur.
The line “This must be love, ‘Cos it’s really got a hold on me” provides a tentative answer. Despite the uncertainty, the sheer intensity of the feeling is undeniable. Love, in this context, is portrayed as an overwhelming force, something that “has a hold” on you, taking control and dictating emotions. This powerful imagery resonates with the experience of being swept away by love.
Finding Strength and Hope
Moving into the second verse, a shift occurs: “I can’t stop the feeling / I’ve been this way before / But, with you I’ve found the key / To open any door.” While acknowledging past experiences that might have been similar, there’s a distinct sense of novelty and hope in this relationship. “With you I’ve found the key” suggests that this connection is different, unlocking potential and possibilities previously unseen.
The lyrics further emphasize this growing strength: “I can feel my love for you / Growing stronger day by day, / An’ I can’t wait to see you again / So I can hold you in my arms.” The love is no longer just a question; it’s a growing certainty. The desire for physical closeness, to “hold you in my arms,” underscores the yearning for connection and intimacy that defines romantic love.
The Enduring Question
The repetition of the chorus at the end reinforces the central theme. Even as the feeling of love intensifies, the underlying question, “is this love?”, remains. This reflects the often-confusing nature of love itself. It’s a feeling that can be both exhilarating and bewildering, filled with moments of certainty and doubt.
“Is This Love” by Whitesnake, through its heartfelt lyrics, perfectly captures this emotional rollercoaster. It’s a song for anyone who has ever been swept away by the powerful, sometimes frightening, but ultimately beautiful question: “Is this love that I’m feeling?” The enduring popularity of these is this love Whitesnake lyrics lies in their universal and timeless exploration of the heart’s most profound question.
