In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, she made a return to the stage and, although bald from chemotherapy, performed a tribute to Janis Joplin with the song "Piece of My Heart". Etheridge's performance was widely lauded, with India.Arie writing "I Am Not My Hair" about Etheridge. Later that year, Etheridge released her first compilation album, Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled. The album was a huge success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard 200, and going Gold immediately. Her latest release is 4th Street Feeling.
Etheridge is known for her mixture of "confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals." She has also been an iconic gay and lesbian activist since her public coming out in January 1993.
Only Love
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why it's so hard to understand, sometimes
It takes me two or three times sometimes
To try to get it right sometimes
To get it right
I've got some coins in my pocket
I've got a colored T-V
It's gotten so complicated now
Only love is real
Everything is love
Everything you feel
That's what your world is made of
And when I took a good look around I see
My thoughts are coming back to me
So look around
We are in charge of our own dreams
We have more power than it seems
So look around
Come on now show me who you're lovin'
Then show me just who you hate
Then I can show you all your angels yeah
That guard your heaven's gate
Only love is real
Everything is love
Everything you feel
That's what your world is made of
Everything is love
Everything you feel
That's what your world is made of
That's what your world is made of
That's what your world is made of
Everything everything you feel
That's what your world is made of
That's what, that's what your world is made of
Everything is love
In "Only Love," Melissa Etheridge reflects on her struggle to understand why life is so complicated sometimes. It takes her time to figure out what it means to be free, but she comes to the conclusion that only love is real, and that everything in our world is made up of love. As she looks around, she sees that we have more power than we realize, and that we are in charge of our own dreams. She encourages the listener to examine their own thoughts and feelings and to embrace love over hate.
Line by Line Meaning
I takes me so long to understand sometimes
It's difficult to understand things sometimes, and it takes me a while to comprehend them.
Why it's so hard to understand, sometimes
I'm confused by why certain things are difficult to comprehend at times.
It takes me two or three times sometimes
I need to attempt something more than once to get it right on certain occasions.
To try to get it right sometimes
Sometimes it's necessary to make an effort to get things right.
To get it right
It's important to strive for accuracy and correctness.
I've got some coins in my pocket
I possess some money in my pocket.
I've got a colored T-V
I own a television that displays colors.
It's gotten so complicated now
Things have become exceedingly complex, which is a source of frustration.
What does it mean to be free
I ponder the definition of freedom and what it represents.
Only love is real
The only authentic thing is love.
Everything is love
All aspects of life are comprised of love.
Everything you feel
All emotions are rooted in love.
That's what your world is made of
The fundamental fabric of one's existence is love.
And when I took a good look around I see
Upon self-reflection, I realize that...
My thoughts are coming back to me
...my thoughts and ideas are returning to me.
So look around
Take a moment to observe one's surroundings.
We are in charge of our own dreams
We have the power to dictate and shape our aspirations.
We have more power than it seems
We possess capabilities beyond our perceived limitations.
Come on now show me who you're lovin'
Reveal to me the individuals you're fond of, admirers of, or care for.
Then show me just who you hate
Also display the people that you bear hostility or resentment towards.
Then I can show you all your angels yeah
If you share those details with me, I can identify the positive influences in your life.
That guard your heaven's gate
These positive influences will help protect and guide you through life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MELISSA ETHERIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rainey
Love to all, through the fear, heartaches, worry and uncertainty, nothing, not anything can take away our love..........I pray for every soul on earth with love in my heart...
Thank you so much for uploading 🌻
Angela
Your video gave me goosebumps with such a powerful song!
quantuman2010
How very true the words are. Amazing song right in the vortex.
Jezebel7705
WWOOWWW!!!! Thank you so much or this!!! I can tell you're heart is full of love!!!
Heidy McInnis
Wow! Awesome! Thank you so much.
Kim Conlon
❤❤❤❤❤