The song "Better Than Love" by the band Hurts explores the concept of finding solace and fulfillment in something other than love. The lyrics suggest that every passing moment brings us closer to God or a higher power, and the speaker experiences a heightened sensation when indulging in activities that make them feel alive, even more so than being in love. The opening lines convey the idea that every second is meaningful and that each minute that passes brings us closer to a spiritual connection, perhaps suggesting that time is a valuable and finite resource. The mention of seeing nothing but red lights may symbolize a sense of danger or excitement, fueling the desire to experience intense sensations. The chorus repeats the notion that these experiences feel better than love, emphasizing the intensity and gratification derived from them. The speaker seems to be encouraging others to turn away from their current reality, close their eyes, and escape to a different place. However, the repeated phrase "it's not enough" implies that even these extraordinary experiences are not sufficient to fulfill their desires. The lyrics mention both light and darkness, symbolizing contrasting experiences. While the second stanza refers to moments of happiness in the sunshine, it also acknowledges a long period of darkness, hinting at the speaker's desire to escape from a dream-like state. The question of whether they have forgotten what someone looks like or merely see what they want to believe suggests that they may be disconnected from reality, possibly due to their pursuit of these intense experiences. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is searching for an understanding of love. They observe lights shining through the rain, symbolizing hope and possibility, but lament that these lights never change, leading them to question the true nature of love. Ultimately, the meaning of the song revolves around the exploration of alternative forms of fulfillment beyond romantic love. It delves into the human desire for intense experiences and the questioning of what love truly means. The lyrics suggest that these substitute experiences, although captivating, ultimately leave the speaker feeling unsatisfied.
