Realove
Daryl Hall & John Oates Lyrics


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One man says, "Look to heaven for true love"
One child so blind with the stars in her eyes
So why do you think that could be right
She tries but there ain't no way to buy second sight

Oh those Eastern ways on Western nites
I want to be the heart of your desire
ReaLove is a passion play
ReaLove is a passion play

You mean to make him take it your way
I know his mind is in the shadows
He'll take you all the way through midnite
So sad you can't run but you can't fight

Oh those Eastern ways on Western nites
I want to be the heart of your desire




ReaLove is a passion play
ReaLove is a passion play

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Realove by Daryl Hall and John Oates speak of a person's quest for true love, and the different beliefs and approaches towards it. It starts with one man's advice to look towards heaven for true love, but the child with "stars in her eyes" expresses confusion and doubt about this. The lyrics then suggest that the singer tries to find love "his way," but recognizes that there is no shortcut to gaining insight into the other person's mind and heart.


The song also touches upon the differences between Eastern and Western perspectives on love and relationships. The lines "Oh those Eastern ways on Western nites" suggest a fascination and perhaps a struggle with reconciling the two. Finally, the lyrics convey a sense of resignation to fate and the pain of being unable to run away from love, even when it feels difficult or wrong.


Overall, the song reflects on the complexities of love and the human experience, presented through poetic and evocative lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

One man says, "Look to heaven for true love"
A man suggests that true love can be found by looking towards the heavens.


One child so blind with the stars in her eyes
A child is so enamored with her dreams that she cannot see clearly.


So why do you think that could be right
The singer questions why the man's advice would lead to true love.


She tries but there ain't no way to buy second sight
Despite her efforts, she cannot purchase the gift of foresight which would help her see the truth.


Oh those Eastern ways on Western nites
The contrast between Eastern and Western cultures is highlighted.


I want to be the heart of your desire
The singer desires to be at the center of their partner's passion.


ReaLove is a passion play
True love is a performance of intense emotions and desires.


You mean to make him take it your way
The singer accuses their partner of trying to manipulate the man into fulfilling their desires.


I know his mind is in the shadows
The man's thoughts and intentions are unclear and uncertain.


He'll take you all the way through midnite
The man will take the woman on a journey that lasts until midnight.


So sad you can't run but you can't fight
The situation is regrettable since the woman feels trapped and unable to change her circumstances.


Oh those Eastern ways on Western nites
The difference between Eastern and Western customs is once again highlighted.


I want to be the heart of your desire
The singer restates their desire to be the central focus of their partner's passion.


ReaLove is a passion play
The importance of intense feelings and desires in true love is emphasized once more.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN OATES, DARYL HALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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