Love Like This Can't Last
Lloyd Cole Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Cole

I've got a beautiful thing going on
With a beautiful woman
She's going to love me 'til tomorrow, then
Well, she's only human
Love like this can't last
I got me half way to Phoenix
For the 17th time
I'm on my 59th rewrite
of Leaving on your Mind
I've got a pocket full of Kleenex
I've got no need of crying
I've got absolute faith
It's just a matter of time
Love like this can't last
Jesus said to Mary
I can't stand it anymore
We both know you must betray me
Why can't we just get it over with?
She threw herself before him, she said
We will never part
And it's going to take a miracle
To break my heart
Love like this can't last
I've got a beautiful thing going on
With a beautiful woman
She's going to love me 'til tomorrow, then




Well, she's only human
Love like this can't last

Overall Meaning

In Lloyd Cole's Love Like This Can't Last, the singer reflects on a beautiful relationship with a wonderful woman. He knows that the love will eventually come to an end because nothing lasts forever. The lyrics touch on the fleeting nature of human relationships, and the acceptance that we must all experience heartbreak at some point. The singer is seemingly in denial, with his faith in love eclipsing the obvious reality that love is temporal. As he sings about his repeated journeys and rewrites, he seems to be seeking a way to preserve the love he has, a futile desire that is reinforced by the religious reference to Jesus and Mary's betrayal. The woman in the song throws herself before Jesus, believing that she and Jesus will be together forever, but the singer knows that this cannot be true.


The song reflects the human struggle of wanting something despite knowing it cannot last. It is common for people to search for love and try to hold on to it as long as possible, even if it is clear that there is an end in sight. Love Like This Can't Last speaks to the human search for love and the need to hold onto it, regardless of its temporal nature.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got a beautiful thing going on
I am in a wonderful relationship


With a beautiful woman
My partner is physically attractive


She's going to love me 'til tomorrow, then
Our love is temporary


Well, she's only human
She is not perfect


Love like this can't last
Our relationship is fleeting


I got me half way to Phoenix
I have traveled a long distance


For the 17th time
I have done this many times


I'm on my 59th rewrite of Leaving on your Mind
I have written this song many times


I've got a pocket full of Kleenex
I am prepared to deal with heartbreak


I've got no need of crying
I am ready for emotional pain


I've got absolute faith
I am certain


It's just a matter of time
It will happen soon


Jesus said to Mary
A religious reference


I can't stand it anymore
I am at my breaking point


We both know you must betray me
A painful truth that must be accepted


Why can't we just get it over with?
A plea to end the suffering


She threw herself before him, she said
A dramatic action


We will never part
A declaration of eternal love


And it's going to take a miracle to break my heart
I am resilient and will not allow heartbreak


Love like this can't last
The relationship is fleeting


I've got a beautiful thing going on
The relationship is enjoyable


With a beautiful woman
My partner is physically attractive


She's going to love me 'til tomorrow, then
Our love is temporary


Well, she's only human
She is not perfect


Love like this can't last
The relationship is fleeting




Contributed by David D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions