"Love For Real" by Everlast is a song that explores themes of love, deceit, and personal transformation. The lyrics depict a relationship where the protagonist falls for a woman with whom he shares a deep connection. However, due to his immaturity and reckless behavior, he ends up betraying her trust and breaking her heart. In the beginning, the lyrics describe the initial attraction between the protagonist and the woman. Her skin is described as soft and sweet, and they spend time together, even falling asleep in her mother's bed. She opens up to him, asking him not to lie, and offers him her heart. However, the protagonist admits that he only played a role in the relationship, taking her love for granted because of his own youth and emotional instability. As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on his mistakes and seeks redemption. He finds solace by the river, symbolizing a cleansing of his past actions. He removes his shoes and jumps into the water, aiming to wash away his inner turmoil and sadness. The ocean represents a fresh start, a place where the current takes over and carries away the pain. Despite the scars and wounds from past relationships, the protagonist asks if she wants to be loved for real, hinting at his desire to change and love someone genuinely. He mentions a specific woman with hazel brown eyes who brought him joy and taught him how to love. However, his reckless behavior and pursuit of instant gratification led him to lose her. He realizes the damage he caused, stating that he watched it all go up in smoke, possibly alluding to the destruction of their relationship. Throughout the song, Everlast's lyrics express a yearning for genuine love and a recognition of his past mistakes. He wants to find someone who will love him unconditionally and sees his transformation as a way to achieve that. The song serves as a reflection on personal growth, regret, and the desire to be loved authentically.
