Love and Only Love
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Lyrics


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Long ago in the book of old
Before the chapter where dreams unfold
A battle raged on the open page
Love was a winner there overcoming hate
Like a little girl who couldn't wait

Love and only love will endure
Hate is everything you think it is
Love and only love will break it down
Love and only love, will break it down
Break it down, break it down

Tomorrow is a long long time if you're a memory
Trying to find peace of mind
Spirit come back to me
Give me strength and set me free
Let me hear the magic in my heart

Love and only love will endure
Hate is everything you think it is
Love and only love will break it down
Love and only love, will break it down
Break it down, break it down

Long ago in the book of old
Before the chapter where dreams unfold
A battle raged on the open page
Love was a winner there overcoming hate
Like a little girl who couldn't wait

Love and only love will endure
Hate is everything you think it is




Love and only love will break it down
Love and only love

Overall Meaning

The song "Love and Only Love" by Neil Young & Crazy Horse is a powerful commentary on the fundamental importance of love in the face of hatred and division. The lyrics begin with a reference to the "book of old," suggesting that this is a timeless message that has been true throughout history. The mention of a battle on an open page suggests that this is also a universal struggle that can be seen in cultures around the world. Love is described as a winner, overcoming the forces of hate, which is portrayed as a destructive and all-consuming force.


The lyrics take on a more personal tone in the second verse, as the singer speaks directly to their own struggles with memory and inner turmoil. They call upon the spirit to come "back to me" and provide them with strength and clarity. The idea of "hearing the magic in my heart" suggests a deeper sense of connection to the world and to oneself, which is only possible through love.


Throughout the song, the repeated refrain of "love and only love will endure" emphasizes the enduring power of this force in the face of hatred and all other obstacles. The song is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to embrace love as the only way to overcome the divisive forces of hate and fear.


Line by Line Meaning

Long ago in the book of old
Once upon a time, in an ancient storybook


Before the chapter where dreams unfold
Before the part where hopes come true


A battle raged on the open page
A fight was fought in plain sight


Love was a winner there overcoming hate
Love emerged victorious, conquering hate


Like a little girl who couldn't wait
Like an impatient child


Love and only love will endure
Only love will last


Hate is everything you think it is
Hate is exactly what you believe it to be


Love and only love will break it down
Only love can tear it apart


Love and only love, will break it down
Only love can break it down


Break it down, break it down
Tear it apart, tear it apart


Tomorrow is a long long time if you're a memory
A day can feel like forever if you are only a thought


Trying to find peace of mind
Attempting to find inner tranquility


Spirit come back to me
Soul, return to me


Give me strength and set me free
Grant me power and release me


Let me hear the magic in my heart
Allow me to perceive the enchantment within me


Love and only love will endure
Only love will last


Hate is everything you think it is
Hate is exactly what you believe it to be


Love and only love will break it down
Only love can tear it apart


Love and only love, will break it down
Only love can break it down


Break it down, break it down
Tear it apart, tear it apart


Long ago in the book of old
Once upon a time, in an ancient storybook


Before the chapter where dreams unfold
Before the part where hopes come true


A battle raged on the open page
A fight was fought in plain sight


Love was a winner there overcoming hate
Love emerged victorious, conquering hate


Like a little girl who couldn't wait
Like an impatient child




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: NEIL YOUNG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Gibby

Awesome album start to finish!

Barry_H

Still sounds like it came out yesterday. One of the best

Ricky Rock

LLevo años siendo fans de Neil Young pero su discografía es tan extensa que es como imposible conocer todo su catalogo. Hoy acabo de descubrir este Tremendo y Rockerisimo tema!!!... Ya estoy buscando el disco para comprarlo

Chuy Ortiz

Uno de sus mejores discos su primer disco grunge del padrino neil

Ricky Rock

@Chuy Ortiz bien grunge realmente

gale

YESSSSS!!!!! NEIL I LOVE YOU!!!!!!! TRUEST STATEMENT EVER. YES! YES! YES!!!!! thank you Neil thank you for your heart, your soul, your breath and your mind and your connection to the Universe, the Great Spirit - I love the sounds of your connection. Keep on rocking in the free world this one and the next

Chiche Rojas

Tengo el vinilo!! De lo mejor del inmenso Neil y sus Crazy Horse!! Un abrazo desde Argentina, los ví con mi flia allá x enero de 2001, de lo mejor que presencié en mi vida!!❤🎶💪💪🇦🇷⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ricky Rock

ooohh que suerte ver a Neil, creo que nunca ha venido a Chile. Llegase a venir no perdono

Leo Trindade

impossível não te amar, Neil homem velho

Kathy Grigsby

Love this man. Great music! ❤

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