Diehard romantics with a sarcastic streak, The Love Language take a heartfelt approach to the rattle and hum of their orchestral pop.
The Love Language is Stuart McLamb (electric guitar, vocals), Jordan McLamb (percussion, vocals), Missy Thangs (keyboard, vocals), Justin Rodermond (bass guitar, vocals), BJ Burton (Electric guitar, vocals).
Providence
The Love Language Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When we bit the dust on Providence
All tangled in our not-so-common sense
I heard you say
You'd never sleep again
'Til the bed was made
You lied, you lied, you lied, you lied
You sang and you sounded like you knew it was your own
Rang out a shot in the dark, some things are best to let fall apart
And you knew, oh, how you knew
In the red July
When we bit the dust on Providence
Oh, tangle me up, tangle me up
And on the last hurrah
We'd better make it hurt
'Cause our time is spent
We lied, we lied, we lied, we lied
Dancing around with all the ghosts in empty homes
You sang and you sounded like you knew it was your own
Rang out a shot in the dark, some things are best to let fall apart
And you knew, oh, how you knew
The Love Language's song "Providence" seems to be about a past relationship that has ended, with the singer looking back on it during a particularly difficult time. The opening line "In the red July" sets the scene for a hot, uncomfortable time period, possibly when the relationship ended. The next line "When we bit the dust on Providence" suggests that the couple's downfall happened in the city of Providence, perhaps during a particular event or while living there. The line "All tangled in our not-so-common sense" could refer to the confusion and messiness of the relationship and the challenge of making sense of it all.
The singer then reflects on something their partner said during the relationship, "You'd never sleep again / 'Til the bed was made / You lied, you lied, you lied, you lied." This line suggests that their partner made promises they couldn't keep or wasn't being entirely truthful about their commitment. The rest of the song is a reflection on the relationship and how it ended. The lines "Dancing around with all the ghosts in empty homes / You sang and you sounded like you knew it was your own" paint a picture of the singer moving on and trying to distract themselves from the pain of the breakup, but also acknowledging the strange and haunted feeling of being in a space where so much happened before.
Towards the end of the song, the singer seems to be acknowledging the finality of the situation with lines like "And on the last hurrah / We'd better make it hurt / 'Cause our time is spent / We lied, we lied, we lied, we lied." The repetition of the phrase "we lied" suggests a mutual understanding that the relationship wasn't as honest or fulfilling as it could have been. The final line "And you knew, oh, how you knew" could mean that both parties were aware that the end was coming, but were trying to hold on regardless.
Line by Line Meaning
In the red July
During a difficult time that we both went through together.
When we bit the dust on Providence
When we faced a hardship or obstacle on our path in Providence, possibly a metaphorical representation of a city/place or a significant moment in our lives.
All tangled in our not-so-common sense
Caught up in our unconventional way of thinking and living, possibly leading to disputes or miscommunication between us.
I heard you say
You spoke to me, or possibly confided in me.
You'd never sleep again
You felt so strongly about something that you would sacrifice your own rest and well-being for it.
'Til the bed was made
Once we completed a specific task, chore, or action related to our living space or relationship, then you would rest.
You lied, you lied, you lied, you lied
You made promises or claims that you did not keep, possibly leading to a sense of betrayal or disappointment between us.
Dancing around with all the ghosts in empty homes
Referencing memories or feelings of a past relationship, trying to move on, but still haunted by what remains.
You sang and you sounded like you knew it was your own
You had confidence and clarity while expressing yourself or going about your life, finding a sense of ownership and autonomy.
Rang out a shot in the dark, some things are best to let fall apart
Sometimes taking a risk or making a decision without knowing the outcome is necessary, even if it leads to things unraveling or ending.
And you knew, oh, how you knew
You were aware of the implications of taking risks or letting go, possibly with a sense of sadness, regret, or acceptance.
Oh, tangle me up, tangle me up
Reference to the earlier line about being 'tangled' in our unconventional way of thinking and living, but now asking for more emotional intimacy and closeness.
And on the last hurrah
On the final moment, occasion, or effort between us, possibly indicating that our relationship has run its course or that we are going our separate ways.
We'd better make it hurt
Instead of avoiding or numbing the pain of our parting, we should confront it head-on and use it as an impetus for growth or change.
'Cause our time is spent
Our relationship has reached its endpoint and we have no more time or chances to make it work.
We lied, we lied, we lied, we lied
Both parties have contributed to broken promises or claims, indicating a sense of mutual accountability or regret between us.
Contributed by Isaac J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.