02-14-19
Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the Gods. – Plato
Unquestionably the most recognized song from The Magnetic Field’s 69 Love Songs Collection, The Book of Love is featured on the first volume of the collection. It’s simplicity created by Stephen Meritt, continues to stand as an ideal melody representing a softness and stoicism that can’t be easily captured.
There is a great deal of duality at play within the song. From its simple composition of such a complicated emotion to its conversational lyrical style which includes words that wouldn’t typically be associated with Love such as “boring,” or “dumb.” Ultimately these opposing themes speak to the difference between love perceived and love actualized; Merritt’s words work brilliantly to illustrate how we are inclined to view love as cliché or pointless on the outside, yet something that is absolutely essential on the inside.
The concept that there is a single solitary composition made up of all the pivotal moments of one’s love story is something that I have always fantasized about. Like, if I could have a nonconsequential superpower, it would be to manifest these “books of love” at my whim, almost like a love librarian.
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
The book of love is long and boring
No one can lift the damn thing
It’s full of charts and facts and figures
And instructions for dancing
[Chorus]
But I, I love it when you read to me
And you, you can read me anything
[Verse 2]
The book of love has music in it
In fact that’s where music comes from
Some of it is just transcendental
Some of it is just really dumb
[Chorus]
But I, I love it when you sing to me
And you, you can sing me anything
[Verse 3]
The book of love is long and boring
And written very long ago
It’s full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes
And things we’re all too young to know
[Chorus]
But I, I love it when you give me things
And you, you ought to give me wedding rings
I, I love it when you give me things
And you, you ought to give me wedding rings