Analog Project - Essay 1

Dylan King
Adam Diehl
HUMN-2010
9/11/2023
Analog Project: “All My Loving”
Imagine being in a relationship with someone and then suddenly you must move and the
person you love cannot come with you. This scenario and its struggles are portrayed throughout
the song “All My Love” by The Beatles. Although this song may be perceived as a “sad song,”
the Beatles’ lyrical mastery shines through by revealing two types of Greek types of love, two
out of the five love languages, and it provides insight into how although two people can love
each other, it does not mean they can always be together.
Throughout the song, two types of Greek love are present for the duration of the lyrical
number. Eros love, a romantic, sexual, and erotic type of love is seen in the first line when
“Close your eyes and I’ll kiss you” and when “I’ll pretend that I’m kissing the lips that I’m
missing” is being sung later in line six. This eros love depicts the lovers were close to one
another since people tend to only kiss those whom they feel near to.
Furthermore, Pragma love, another Greek type of love, is also seen in throughout the
song. Pragma love is a more permanent and committed type of love that is usually seen in long-
term relationships since those who practice this type of love are usually those who are already
married and those who are looking to become so. This is seen in “All My Love” in line fifteen
where it is said that one of the lovers will “always be true.” The word “always” is significant
here because it shows that the person who moved away will “always” stay faithful and plans to
“always” be there for the other. He/she has no intention of leaving the other, and therefore, brings
light to a more permanent form of love.
Besides Greek types of love, “All My Love” reflects two types of common love
languages as well. The first love language to be seen within the number would be physical touch.
In the first line of the first stanza the listener knows immediately that one of the lovers wants to
kiss the other since it is sung, “close your eyes and I’ll kiss you.” This shows that his/her primary
love language may be physical touch, and in doing so, it allows the listener to better understand
what kind of affection is most likely shown inside of their relationship.
In addition to physical touch being a love language that is shown across the ballad,
quality time plays a big role in highlighting the hidden meaning within the song. Love is not
always together. The first thing that comes to mind when “tomorrow I’ll miss you” and “while
I’m away, I’ll write everyday” is sung, is that the two lovers will soon be far apart (Beatles line
2,16). It is important to note that although they will be far away, they still have plans of
continuing their relationship. It becomes clear they will still pursue each other since they will be
writing each other letters so they can stay in touch, but more importantly, it needs to become
clear to the listener that love can exist across far distances. For these individuals, distance is not
the end of their story.
Perhaps “All My Love” is a song that hints at the struggles that come with long distance
relationships. The constant lack of physical touch, the lack of quality time, the lack of feeling the
other’s presence. Perhaps this ballad serves as hope for those about to leave their loved ones for a
long period of time. To me, “All My Love” does both, but it is important to remember this
section from the Bible:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does
not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always
hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
These verses hold so much truth in the lives of the members of the Christian faith, and how could
it not? When we love anyone this way, it is clear they are valued and are truly loved.
The Beatles wrote a melody that fully encapsulates the struggles of a long-distance
relationship, and in doing so, this group portrayed many types of love. “All My Love” is a song,
that when tied into the Bible, may have truly answered the age-old question, “what is love.”
Love is a biblical concept, love is not self-seeking, but most importantly, love endures forever.
Works Cited:
The Beatles - All My Loving (Live at the Morecambe and Wise Show, 1963),
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N4frdY1h2w
NIV Bible, 1 Corinthains 13:4-7

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Dylan King

each other, it does not mean they can always be together.

light to a more permanent form of love.

what kind of affection is most likely shown inside of their relationship.

the end of their story.

section from the Bible:

hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

NIV Bible, 1 Corinthains 13:4-7

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