An Essay About Love

June 21, 2006

English 311

Love, Love, Love

Paul McCartney sings: "You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs. I look around me and I see it isn't so!"

In a survey based on the top 100 most popular songs of all time, an analysis of themes concluded that 85% of them were love songs.¹ After five minutes of watching a movie, it is obvious which two characters will hook up—although you can be sure that a terrible, insuperable conflict will prevent that from happening for at least the next half hour. The topic of love is equally prevalent in literature—yes, even the Bible begins with a love story.

You know, people spend so much time listening to romantic music, watching romantic movies, and reading romantic books that love is all they ever end up talking about. When you're on a date, it invariably comes up: "What do you look for in a guy? How many people have you dated? Who's the last girl you kissed?" When you go home for Christmas, it's the first thing they ask you: "Are you dating anyone?" Late at night with your roommates you talk about so-and-so being engaged to so-and-so and the chances that the love of your life will ask you out next week. In fact, I often find myself wondering what married people talk about, now that dating and real love aren't issues. I imagine that they lead rather dreary lives, resorting to chit-chat about the weather.

Luckily, the ever-prevalent love in songs, movies, and books gives us a good idea of what love in real life should be like. Steady and constant, growing little by little? Love after marriage? Boring! Give me love at first sight, the thrill of the chase, the girl who suddenly realizes she's in love with someone else on her wedding day and chases him down to express her true, undying devotion. We naturally assume that in a meaningful relationship, showing physical affection precedes knowing the guy's last name. How can you really get to know someone without kissing him first?

Okay, so, personally, I tend to consider myself above the ubiquitous topic of love that permeates our very lives. I observe its detrimental influence on society; I can see how it may encourage a few unrealistic expectations. I have principles, and because of said principles, I make it a point never to talk about love or romance. My conversation topics are always deep and thoughtful, such as global warming, the economic strategies of the ancient Incan people, or the fascinating history of the pork sausage. I like to think outside the box.

Nevertheless, I must confess that I, too, don't mind glancing at the screen as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy slowly inch toward one another. Admittedly, I beg Wesley to forgive Princess Buttercup for getting engaged to someone else. To be quite honest, I've been known to curse the Jets and the Sharks for keeping Tony and Maria apart. Yes, even I can't help sighing a little as Padme tragically dies, abandoning Anikan forever.

Come on, let's face it. Everyone loves a good love story. As the Beatles so eloquently declare, "All you need is love."

Works Cited

Davis, Scheila. The Craft of Lyric Writing. Cincinnati: Writer's Digest Books, 1985.