Inspiration Behind All Out of Love:
A rerecording of Air Supply’s “Lost in Love,” in the United States immediately went to the top of the charts in the late 1970’s. Caught off guard by this instant success, this Australian based band scrambled to write another song which would build upon Lost in Love. Graham Russell took a different approach when it came to All Out of Love, focusing on the anguish of love. Inspiration flowed through Graham, writing All Out of Love in one day at his Sydney apartment on a piano he’d had delivered solely for the purpose of song writing.
Biblical Connection:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
Exegesis of All Out of Love:
I’m lying alone with my head on the phone
Thinking of you ’til it hurts
I know you’re hurt too, but what else can we do?
Tormented and torn apart
Before the invention of cell phones and the internet, couples racked up expensive monthly phone bills, trying to keep their long-distance relationship alive. Although this first stanza is unclear, this couple is either separated by hundreds of miles or recently broke up.
I wish I could carry your smile in my heart
For times when my life seems so low
It would make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesn’t really know, doesn’t really know
The future of this couple’s relationship is up in the air. Separated by distance, all they currently have is the memories with one another and talking on the phone.
I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong
Either Graham is emotionally exhausted from this long-distance relationship or the love in his heart has grown cold and cynical. Did she break it off or did she convince him that their love could overcome the long distance. Whatever really happened, Graham regrets it.
I want you to come back and carry me home
Away from these long lonely nights
I’m reaching for you, are you feeling it too?
Does the feeling seem, oh, so right?
Graham wants a second chance at love. He can’t let her go as the feeling deep inside of him is only intensifying.
And what would you say if I called on you now
And said that I can’t hold on?
There’s no easy way, it gets harder each day
Please love me, or I’ll be gone, I’ll be gone
The situation within this relationship has become clear. The girlfriend is having second thoughts, leaving Graham on the edge of his seat. Tired of this uncertainty, he just wants to know if it’s over or do you want me back.
I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong
Love can be cruel, especially when the person you love is playing mind games with you. This is the exhaustion that Graham is trying to express.
Oh, what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
Let me know so that I start the healing process if we’re through.
I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late, I know I was so wrong
This anguish reminds me of attractive Junior High girls who would pretend to like me only to giggle and gossip with their friends at lunch.
I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late, I know I was so wrong
An example of when love drives men crazy.
I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong
(I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you)
(I know you were right)
These are cries for help from a broken and wounded heart.
Final Thoughts:
I was always the guy that attractive females in high school and college who would want to become friends with but were never interested in dating. On a couple of occasions, I literally severed all ties with a few girls who wanted to spend time with me, but I couldn’t because like Graham. I wanted more than just a friendship. This is the anguish and pain of love.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 