The song "Love and Affection" by Joan Armatrading explores the theme of love and the desire for deeper connections in relationships. The lyrics depict a person who isn't currently in love but is open to being persuaded. They question the best way to find romance, whether it's in the East or West. The song contrasts the person's interactions with friends and lovers. With friends, they can smile, but with a lover, they can truly let go, laugh, and be their authentic selves. The person expresses gratitude to a specific individual who took them dancing and made them feel alive. They acknowledge that with a lover, they can move and dance freely. Yet, despite experiencing joy and happiness in other aspects of life like feeling the sun and rain, the person wonders why they can't feel love. They express a longing to truly love and be loved in return. The lyrics also touch on the person's reliance on friends for support, noting that they may need more friends but are content with the ones they currently have. They admit to feeling insecure even with friends but believe a potential lover could help them feel more secure. The person desires physical affection and intimate connection rather than mere conversation or saying goodbye. The song concludes with the request for another love song, but this time with dedication and feeling. The person craves love and affection and asks for it to be given genuinely. The repetition of "give me love" emphasizes their longing and desire for a deeper emotional connection. Overall, "Love and Affection" speaks to the universal human desire for love, seeking a partner who can provide not only affection but also a deeper emotional bond.
