"And So Is Love" is a song written and recorded by musician Kate Bush. It w… Read Full Bio ↴"And So Is Love" is a song written and recorded by musician Kate Bush. It was the fourth and final single release from the album The Red Shoes. The recording features Eric Clapton on the guitar and Gary Brooker of Procol Harum on the Hammond organ. Released on 7 November 1994, the single climbed to #26 in the UK Official Charts.

And So Is Love
Kate Bush Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

And you ah? You do ah?

We let it in, we give it out.
And in the end, what's it all about?
It must be love.

I give you my, I give you my
You give me your, you give me your joy.

We used to say "Ah Hell, we're young"
But now we see that life is sad. And so is love.
(Ooh baby live your life for love)
(Ooh baby live your life for love)

We used to say "Ah Hell, we're young"
But now we see that life is sad. And so is love.
(Ooh baby for the sake of love)
(Ooh baby for the sake of love)

And whatever happens, what really matters?
It's all we've got, isn't that enough?
(Life is sad and so is love).

You let it slip, you let it slip.
(Life is sad and so is love)

I love you more, I love you more for it.
(Life is sad and so is love)

Oh yeah, oh you too.
(Life is sad and so is love)

All for love.
(Life is sad and so is love)
Just for the sake of love.
(Life is sad and so is love)

You set me free, I set you free.
(Life is sad and so is love)

Overall Meaning

The song And So Is Love by Kate Bush is about the fleeting nature of love and the sadness that comes with it. The song begins with a call-and-response exchange between Bush and an anonymous voice, asking each other what they do and what they give. The lyrics take on a philosophical tone as Bush reflects on the transience of life and love, asking what it's all about in the end. In the next verse, she describes the reciprocity of love, something that requires mutual giving and taking. The song then takes a turn as Bush contrasts the happy-go-lucky attitude of youth with the bleak reality of adulthood: "We used to say 'Ah Hell, we're young' / But now we see that life is sad. And so is love." The chorus emphasizes the importance of living life for love, despite its inherent sadness. The song concludes with the optimistic image of two people setting each other free to pursue love's boundless potential.

The lyrics of And So Is Love are typical of Kate Bush's unique writing style in that they are poetic and enigmatic. Bush's lyrics often rely on metaphor and symbolism to convey her themes, and this song is no exception. While the song's title and chorus suggest that love is a sad affair, the verses themselves are more ambivalent. Bush seems to be saying that love is both sad and joyful, something that can be both liberating and destructive. Ultimately, the song is a meditation on the human condition, and the fleeting moments of happiness and heartbreak that define it.

Line by Line Meaning

And you ah? You do ah?
Kate is asking a question to someone, trying to initiate a conversation.

We let it in, we give it out.
Love is something that we allow ourselves to feel and we pass it along to others.

And in the end, what's it all about? It must be love.
The ultimate goal in life must be to love one another, to share that emotion with everyone around.

I give you my, I give you my. You give me your, you give me your joy.
A mutual relationship of giving and taking happiness with each other.

We used to say 'Ah Hell, we're young'. But now we see that life is sad. And so is love. (Ooh baby live your life for love) (Ooh baby live your life for love)
As we grow older we realize that life is filled with hardships, and love is not always easy. But still, it is worth living for it and embracing the experiences it brings.

We used to say 'Ah Hell, we're young'. But now we see that life is sad. And so is love. (Ooh baby for the sake of love) (Ooh baby for the sake of love)
Life can be depressing, as can love, yet we should still pursue it all the same, in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.

And whatever happens, what really matters? It's all we've got, isn't that enough? (Life is sad and so is love).
At the end of the day, all we have is love, and that is enough, despite the sadness and pain that can come with it.

You let it slip, you let it slip. (Life is sad and so is love)
Sometimes love can fall through our fingers, and that's okay - it's part of the experience.

I love you more, I love you more for it. (Life is sad and so is love)
The struggle of love can make it all the more rewarding - love intensifies through the hardships.

Oh yeah, oh you too. (Life is sad and so is love)
A short expression of love with a familiar partner, despite the pain it can bring.

All for love. (Life is sad and so is love) Just for the sake of love. (Life is sad and so is love) You set me free, I set you free. (Life is sad and so is love)
Everything that we do - whether it be setting someone free or embracing their love - is in the pursuit of love, with all the pain and joy it can bring.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KATE BUSH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Flower of the Mountain5:15

02The Song of Solomon4:27

03Lily4:03

04Deeper Understanding6:33

05The Red Shoes4:58

06This Woman's Work6:28

07Moments of Pleasure6:32

08Never Be Mine5:05

09Top of the City4:23

10And So Is Love4:20

PT4M20S

Kate Bush

11Rubberband Girl4:36

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@starzver

10y↑139

And you huh?
You do huh?
We let it in
We give it out
And in the end
What's it all about?
It must be love
I give you my
I give you my
You give me your
You give me your joy
We used to say
"Ah Hell, we're young"
But now we see that life is sad
And so is love
Ooh baby live your life for love
Ooh baby live your life for love
We used to say
"Ah Hell, we're young"
But now we see that life is sad
And so is love
Ooh baby for the sake of love
Ooh baby for the sake of love
And whatever happens
What really matters?
It's all we've got
Isn't that enough?
Life is sad and so is love
You let it slip
You let it slip
I love you more
I love you more for it
Life is sad and so is love
All for love
Just for the sake of love
You set me free
I set you free

All comments from YouTube:

@BolanKeith

2y↑89

How refreshing to see a female artist who has been able to grow from a teenager with her first #1 to a mature woman in her 60's who still reaches #1. All this without having to compromise her integrity. Never once did she bow to fashion or record company. She did it her way. She is an English rose.

@philrob1978

2y↑17

When people talk about "national treasure" - it's often misplaced and hyperbolic. Not so with Kate. She genuinely is that, and much more. An amazing artist, yet completely humble with it.

@annettebarnes9348

40w↑6

She is uncompromising and has the talent to back it up.

@garth217

3y↑192

I discovered Kate Bush when I was 16 years old. I was fascinated by her voice. 40 years later Im back and still think the same.

@killerbee3794

3y↑7

Me too! Iam 54. I was 13 when I first discovered her!

@nigelgore931

3y↑5

And me! Remember hearing this on TOTP blew me away.

@badshotbill5001

3y↑7

Kate Bush never ages. She is eternal.

@jadei6992

3y↑1

Same here

@heartwing6415

3y↑1

Same and same age…

4 More Replies...

@Missjunebugfreak

3y↑316

Not only is her music divine, she's also one of the most stunning women I've ever seen.

@jukkaikomi1763

2y↑7

Agreed Upon, 1 in a million 🖤

@badshotbill5001

2y↑10

Literally, no one would disagree with you on that one, mate.

@glennduffy1694

2y↑8

Unique is an understatement pure class x

@leszekawzan5696

2y↑6

@jukka ikomi One in a billion!

@markhodgson2348

2y↑3

Yes

7 More Replies...

@greebo7857

3y↑104

Who else could get Clapton to play so sparingly, achingly? Kate is superb.

@wanderer299a

3y↑5

Try 'we're going wrong' cream

@irenasikanic9478

Clapton. Who is he

@alxwlsh

2y↑6

@Irena Sikanic Eric Clapton

@stevenlawson-blight4253

2y↑3

What a privilege for Eric.

@TheWaynos73

2y↑4

Kates like, oh i got Jeff Beck and Prince on this album too.

3 More Replies...

@TheWaynos73

2y↑77

The Red Shoes 👠 is such an underrated record. Almost as good as Hounds of Love in many respects.

@TopCatandMrDibble

2y↑7

The Red Shoes is such a perfect album.

@laraking804

2y↑6

My favourite album

@TheWaynos73

2y↑5

@Lara King the perfect album when you are on a drive in the car by yourself and you need time to think

@brelfpv1437

This album stumbled because they cut a discarded song as a single.

@seanmccue1621

25w

Sensual World is arguably The underrated release champion from the otherworldly talent the world over now knows as Kate Bush. Soon to be inducted in the Rock HOF, The icon for so many aspiring past and present artists such as Natasha Khan and Caroline Polachek. Cheers. 🙏🏼🙌🏼

@MrHairyTeabag

5y↑132

The most beautiful melancholy.Utter sensuality and femininity.

Simply amazing.

@jasonrichner2537

3y↑65

I literally got chills listening again ... nearly 30 years later.

@CoasterMan13Official

1y↑28

Kate Bush's angelic vocals + Eric Clapton's deeply emotional guitar skills = heaven

@pdmcclure05

Couldn't agree more. Kate at his best, Clapton at his very best.

@chasemarkmckenzie622

31w

A make out anthem

@tvhistory3397

1y↑7

Probably one of, if not the best female artist of the past 50 years.

@js1981

26w↑5

The Red Shoes album was too real. Hurts like hell. I like all of her albums, every single one of them. But The Red Shoes hits different when you are older.

@christophercraig5900

5y↑89

Someone said he "could" listen to Kate all day and night. I DO listen to Kate all day and night. She is the only music I've listened to over the last 6 months!

@j.k.1963

4y↑6

Kate truly is a one of a kind artist. She always delivers. She always is original. She always surprises big time.
When Before The Dawn was released I played only that album for over a year, day in day out.

@IvanLendl87

4y↑1

Christopher Craig Still listening to Kate exclusively?

@christophercraig5900

4y↑2

@Ivan Lendl Hello. Yes. Mostly I listen to music in my car. I have been listening to the CDs in order for the last few weeks. I just began "Ariel" this morning.

@maxinecaulfield310

2y↑1

@Christopher Craig Aerial*

@warrenbridges1891

2y↑1

Christopher Craig When I've bought new vinyls, I give them a spin to check for defects. Then I go back to listening to Kate.

@bryanariza1063

2y↑27

Never gets old. Timeless music and vocals by the incredible Kate Bush.

@bumble1612

10y↑97

I'm in awe of Kate Bush, always have been, I just can't put it into words,just touches my soul I guess.

@sarjenali5353

Gopal var neu

@bjt1705

2y↑13

I'm ashamed to say, as a lifelong Kate Bush fan, that I didn't discover this song until 2005. By the time this was released I was pretty much living within 70s/80s Kate. Now, to me, this is one of her finest songs.... it's so sad, so heartbreaking... life is sad and so is love (never a truer word spoken)... but also kind of hopeful... live your life for love. It never leaves me... resonates completely. She is the greatest artist of all time.

@HorrorMetalMaestroRedrusty66

3y↑35

one of the most powerful emotional songs, and video to match, ever. her yearning, expressions, introverted sadness and shell shocked demeaner are just hypnotizing. I've sat in front of that candle myself, all night, and I KNOW she has too.

@toriwoods9800

2y↑21

Exceptionally beautiful, talented beyond belief, our Kate. ❤️🇬🇧

@tomwebb7091

28w↑2

For me, Kate is the epitome of the woman in all her womanly wonder. The best female artist to have lived to date

@adrianaaparecidadelima5612

3y↑12

Escutei essa música a primeira vez quando assisti o curta metragem: A linha, a cruz e a curva. Obra malinterpretada pelos críticos que não enxergaram tamanho potencial nessa mulher. Amo Kate Bush e suas músicas sempre me fazem arrepiar.

@priscilioscat5933

2y↑2

Talentosa demais

@MB-wk4sb

3y↑13

I'm never ready for when she goes into her higher register at 2.06, blows me away every time!

@andrewwalsh8274

1y↑7

I am so happy to report that Kate is the overwhelming favorite to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. Among her many talents, her songwriting is my favorite.

@christophercandy8282

Were did you hear or see that information ????

@arquivoparadiso4790

2y↑12

MEU DEUS!!! O QUE É ISSO?! Toca lá no fundo...que experiência maravilhosa. Inesquecível. Bastou 1 vez! 🙌🏽

@timjones1863

10y↑246

4 minutes of pure brilliance. I'm in the clouds.

@StuartCook

10y↑3

I'll second that.

@timjones1863

9y↑3

***** your a naughty person.

@marauderii2096

6y↑1

Same comment for each Kate's songs ? She deserve more ^^

@NNNN-ju9cs

that's how wonderful she is...

@martinkelly9763

1y↑4

.... one of her finest and of course the magic of Clapton elevates it.

@icelara5972

2y↑9

I have never been able to listen to this without it bringing me to tears. I'm sobbing as I type. It's been a few years since I last let myself hear this beautiful song because of the emotions it invokes me.

@GarthPrice-ej6bt

43w↑1

Another heart-ripper by Kate - made all the more significant by Eric's sublime guitar work. Get two of the finest people for vocals, lyrics and instrumentation and you create timeless beauty. Another gem in Kate's crown.

@eugenebarry5376

8y↑19

brilliant vocal, even better performance.
Her use of video is always impressive.

@_enan4818

6y↑5

One of my absolute favorite songs of her. If she only knew how much i appreciate her work. How much she inspires me and makes me feel better when I’m sad.

@anthropomorphictaco

4y↑26

She just lights a candle and plays with a bird but it's more powerful than anything because she's Kate Bush

@ianp7661

3y↑19

Best break up song ever. Such simple lyrics but they hit the spot. 'You set me free, I set you free"...

@diator8083

33w↑2

Kate goes to places others fear to tread! It was said that Adele's third album was going to be about motherhood but she canned it, few have the uncompromising conviction of Kate Bush when it comes to expressing oneself from a deep place, it is her most endearing trait which we all love her for

@voodooxcoffee3314

4y↑14

Absolute Feminine Perfection. This was a fantastic song when first released, and it is still a fantastic song today. It is absolutely beautiful.

@spacehopper7

10y↑23

This beautiful genius with the ability to give you goose bumps every single time. Bless you Kate.

@natalieinger2309

35w↑1

What an absolutely stunning woman- such an inspiration on so many levels and has never sacrificed her talent for fame.

@nellies

2y↑2

Say what you want about the movie, but no one can deny that the visuals are stunning! I love the metaphor about the bird. This song is so beautiful and so underrated, one of my favorites on the album.

@Emma-zt4lt

1y↑3

1:54 One of her finest songs,absolutely love this

@MrTerrencemcgrath

4y↑10

This is nothing less than ethereal with kate and Eric hitting that strat

@sadderthanyou7793

2y↑8

"Life is sad and so is love."

This woman understands me.

@mvellis3863

5y↑19

Director's Cut version is just as good (or better) - I love Kate's wonderful mature voice - and the beautiful, warm analog sound of that whole album. On that version, she even changes the lyric to reflect better times: "But now we see that life is sweet , And so is love"

@ryanspedding4391

9y↑43

Just the best,pure talent,never get bored listening to someone with so much talent

@heartwing6415

3y↑7

This song is heartbreaking…. Kate Bush is everything!

@Braully93

2y↑6

que musica maravilhosa, eu to viciado

@Ashwatthama47

3y↑11

Обалденно. Песня просто суперская (и Катя тоже) !!!!!!!

@charliez077

4y↑8

The Red Shoes is sure not one of her best albums but it still has a couple timeless gems - like this one :))

@eloisagarcia3300

7y↑15

Yes! She always came and keep coming with absolutely genius stuff

@tonyhall9681

9y↑44

Timelessly beautiful.

@OdysseyMosaic

10y↑26

I've always loved this song and video for its simplicity within the poeticism. It just touches me in a profound way...:-)

@stevie9028

3y↑5

Beautiful song and such a haunting video. She is amazing

@mikelykan.9416

3y↑6

Here I sit in the dark looking out my window at the part of the city where I live. With Kate Bush’s soothing sounds. And yes I absolutely recommend it.

@peterpowis4145

6y↑5

such an understated song - but it's intensely emotional and truly beautiful - pure genius

@alexanderstefanov6474

9y↑38

what a song, surely one of her best and with clapton playing guitar, amazing British pop-prog-rock genius

@hervechtimi2789

8y↑28

la plus belle chanson de l'album, elle aurait mérité un énorme succès

@jeanje71

Hervé ch'ti mi la plus belle est moments of pleasure pour moi :)

@shirleybayliss7563

3y↑8

Lovin the sensual vibe of this brilliant track. Been with Kate bush since wuthering heights. Timeless tracks.

@philrob1978

2y↑2

Very much underrated I feel, something about this utterly throws that stake through my heart in that way that I enjoy. Genuinely beautiful, and from an album I'm still trying to get my head around.

@reveillusoire3853

2y↑5

I love ❤️ 🌹love🌹 this song 🎵 Kate is ethereal ❤️💎

@mollymcowan

9y↑34

I remember the first time I watched this song. I was sat with mum and we were watching the line the cross and the curve film, then and so is love came on and I just thought it was amazing how kate brought such emotion to the performance and it was just her alone mainly focused on her face and I thought that's the kind of emotion I want to bring to my acting, she's just so inspiring in every way, love and admire you so much kate x

@christopherrussell4406

3y↑3

And Kate still sings my soul

@katebushmusic8460

Thanks for your sincere compliment and love,I’m not complete without you as my Fan I have you to be most thankful for 🌹🌹🌹🌹🥰❤️💕❣️💕❣️💕♥️🌷🌷

@MuhammadAlFireFlame

10y↑8

So touching!!

Such an angel voice ... Love her so much <3

@eugenebarry5376

8y↑6

a visual heart wrenching performance that is a delight for eye and ear. Perfection

@BruceLevitan

13y

One of the fabulous things about Kate's music is that even the pauses between the words are thoughtfully paced, not just "end of verse line". I love this song for its subdued, almost sombre tone which adds extra poignancy to the message: "and now we see that life is sad, and so is love."

@StevePhillips

7y↑24

It is sad when life becomes empty and there is nothing left. Still what a beautiful song.

@shumeister1059

I'm trying to understand what she's referring to... death? or just a couple drifting apart? or....

@StevePhillips

3y↑1

@Shu Meister I think too it is separation through death. maybe it is even more sad now than it was then. Since our world has been turned upside down by crazy people.

@shumeister1059

@Steve Phillips My condolences to the departed.
Ironically turmoil seems to be helping people realize a lot of issues that's been largely ignored.
The best outcome would be for humans to evolve and learn to treat each other better.

@StevePhillips

@Shu Meister I know it is not possible to bring real peace from chaos. But, hopefully we can at least make a stand against injustice. Yes, maybe a turmoil providing it doesn't become a complete disaster could be viewed as a wake up call to treat one another better that is a great hope, but only time will tell.

@shumeister1059

@Steve Phillips Everything will work out in the end. Because I think imbalance is unsustainable without a lot of effort, and therefore will eventually come to a balanced point, where humanity's inequality will have to end. So I believe in that sort of fate. The question how will those that continue to uphold injustice/inbalance etc retreat? Kicking and screaming? or come to an understanding and leave gracefully? That's something that's been on my mind for many years... but it's starting to make some sense to me. Everything comes to an end. I think that's the law of nature / life.

On the other hand, personal inner peace is possible through practice of meditation; quieting the mind, discovering the inner world within. There are many teachers out there. And through inner peace, we can influence the outer world.

3 More Replies...

@1117niks

4y↑4

Awesome! Such a voice!

@MrRichielew

11y↑1

wonderful artist,always brings a tear to my eye this song.eric sounds good too.

@davidsimpson911

8y↑97

i could listen to the beautiful Kate Bush all day and night,simply wonderful.

@williamwilkes9873

20w↑2

One of her best songs...........

@mzyst4r

2y↑5

im so surprised this video only has so many views, this song is so good☹

@LaylaBvOfficial

11y↑1

Love her so much, Amazing artist. So much passion xo

@electroheaven1

12y↑2

To lose one's mother and life is sad ; to be a mother and life is sweet . Happy Birthday , Kate !

@andreagoede9420

3y↑2

She's a genius and I like her a lot. I heard her songs in the very beginning of her career and I like because she's unique.

@benjaminreynolds5068

2y↑2

One of her greatest tracks in my opinion, albeit from the one album of hers that I struggle to listen through completely.

@marksmith-pz5yx

2y↑1

Thank you Kate for sharing your genius. You are and will always be singing inside me.

@jeffwood7438

11y↑73

Just discovered this. I was thinking "Oh, a nice lyrical Kate Bush ballad".... and then... OMG, THAT'S CLAPTON ON GUITAR! Life doesn't get any better than this!

@1collier1

3y↑4

And Gary Brooker on keyboard.

@TheWaynos73

2y↑1

then you hear Top of The City and its more like the cherry 🍒 on top of the sundae.

@toddstone100

10y↑1

SUCH AN AMAZING SONG!!

@melmortimer1545

34w↑2

In my top one favourite Kate Bush..tracks ...❤❤ Melanie 33 🌈❤️

@justinejanerundle839

1y↑2

Beautiful album great singer.

@cast-faze

Her voice is so ethereal

@duncanstott7589

21w↑2

I have followed Kate since I heard cloud busting in 85 ❤

@jimpickard3850

7y↑3

What a treat ... beautiful song, beautiful voice and Kate's beautiful face

@faycastle8732

An extraordinary, prodigious and revolutionary talent. There is no-one like Kate Bush.

@martincole34

4y↑4

Love this..One of this lovely lady's finest

@bobloblaw9679

47w↑1

apparently this short film wasn't received terribly well when she first put it out
but i think it is a really interesting work that fuses mime/acting/dance/music video together in a fascinating way

@krytsalsanjose3951

Her music is just amazing

@shirleybayliss7563

3y↑1

She is so unique. Her music is so fabulous. This is one of my favourites. Thank you fir the years of great music.⭐️⭐️💐

@Meaningofthelife42

3y↑3

Brilliant. Fantastic artist.

@georgiarose1576

She is one of a kind. Beautiful lady and a beautiful voice.

@majestic8628

3y↑5

Magnifique chanson , j'adore Kate ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@szatanowska

11y↑1

wow Kate jest geniuszem!!!!

@elshowgun15

10y↑2

beautiful song!

@shaunwassall7416

3y↑1

It is so beautiful. So moving. The emotion is outstanding.

@grsk100

29w↑1

Katy you are an angel ❤

@starzver

10y↑139

@indra3748

3y↑1

aaaghhh the lyrics is so sad especially the last 2 lines 😢

@starzver

@Indra ❤️

@karrot101

2y↑2

love this so much

@NeonRadarMusic

2y↑2

I'm so glad that Stranger Things has introduced a whole generation to this woman's unrivalled genius. A truly spectacular body of work.

@isobeljames1328

They only like ruth

@christophercandy8282

Watching this video and listening to the song ... I tear up! There will never be another like Kate bush! She knows how to make you cry !! ( but in a good way)

@KatieTantrum

So magical. Thank you universe for Kate ❤

@flo15jo

10y↑85

Hell, this is one of those KB tracks that explodes in your face years after. The simple Fairlight keyboard, that great sparse guitar, and when she launches into the big vocal mid section .... [expletive deleted] .....

@mel646

9y↑3

it makes me wanna cry

@Picnicl

5y↑5

The power of it is certainly enhanced by seeing Kate Bush's sincere emotion in this video.

@Ubu987

5y↑2

Eric Clapton on guitar.

@jupitersdreaming

11y

Little- heard song- just beautiful. Kate's music has enriched my time on this planet.

@davidgrendo2396

Hello friend

@vertisha

2y↑17

Будто боль свою заговаривает... какая же она невероятная, чувственная, женственная, глубокая....

@ARaspberryBeretOn

12y

DAMN What a beautiful touching song. Kate Bush is a true artist.

@petergreen9277

7y↑1

And so in love? How do think we feel? Damn! This woman melts my soul beyond all measure of it's moral fiber. I'm so subdued, I've got tears.

@gianz73

Beautifully expressed feelings, mate, and I feel very much the same. She's breathtakingly enchanting.

@brandonmoore7497

48w↑2

Kate Bush And So Is Love is one of my personal favorite song

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