I Love You by VAHNI CAPILD
I Love You by VAHNI CAPILD
I Love You by VAHNI CAPILD
The opening lines, "I love you,' he wouldn't say: it was against his philosophy; I-love-
you / didn't mean what it meant," immediately establish the central conflict. The speaker
contends that the phrase has lost its true essence, suggesting that its repetition and
misuse through time have diluted its significance. Additionally, the phrase itself is
criticized for its cumbersome construction, symbolically likening it to a destructive
force that mars the purity of love.
The verse continues to question the motives behind this refusal, asking, "So what moved
him to not-say I-love-you?" This rhetorical query highlights the enigmatic nature of the
partner's decision, implying that there may be underlying factors influencing their
silence. The reference to an "ashtray-licking djinn" and the disruption it causes further
accentuates the mysterious and unsettling tension within the relationship.
The subsequent stanza delves into an introspective examination of the word "love" and
its inherent complexities. The speaker suggests that the verbness of the phrase, its
action-oriented nature, is a source of discomfort. By likening it to injecting a syringe or
engaging in other forceful acts, the lyrics convey a sense of violence and power
dynamics. This interpretation emphasizes the speaker's desire to transform the idea of
love into a more passive and tender form. The imagery of stolen togas and adding value
through dye further highlights the complex dynamics at play, evoking both ownership
and rebellion.
As the song progresses, the speaker explores alternative ways of understanding love
without relying solely on linguistic expressions. The concept of love as a "meeting on
his own ground" implies a negotiation and compromise, a recognition that love can be
understood and communicated in ways beyond words. The inability to disprove entire
languages suggests the vast and diverse range of interpretations and expressions of love,
encapsulating the inherent subjectivity of the experience.
The final verse paints a vivid picture of a transformative moment. As the centuried moon
rises above dinnermint stone, symbolizing the passage of time and the endurance of
love, people engage in conversation and a woman defies convention by urinating on
green lilies. This act of rebellion is juxtaposed with the speaker's assertion that the
presence or absence of the phrase "I love you" is inconsequential. Instead, it is the
freedom to express oneself authentically and fully that brings joy and a sense of fresh
air.