The song "Don't Say It's Love" by Johnny Hates Jazz explores the theme of a deteriorating relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and loss as the protagonist realizes that the love they once shared is fading away. The opening lines suggest that the couple had a good relationship for a long time, but now they are faced with change and uncertainty. They have never relied on finding the answers to navigate their relationship, but now they are struggling to understand why their love is falling apart. The chorus repeats the plea not to label their relationship as love because the protagonist believes that their friendship is more important for it to survive. They fear that if they acknowledge their romantic feelings, it will lead to the end of their connection. The verses describe the deep bond they had, sharing secrets and intimacy, but now it feels like everything is falling apart. The protagonist is seemingly betrayed by their partner who starts expressing their desire for a romantic relationship, causing the fear of losing them completely. The bridge emphasizes the need for clarity and honesty. It cautions the partner against confusing themselves with false illusions of love and encourages them to let go if they cannot truly commit. The lyrics express a certain resignation and acceptance that the relationship might come to an end. However, there is still a glimmer of hope that it might not be too late to save their friendship if they don't put a label on it. Overall, "Don't Say It's Love" conveys the complexities of a relationship faced with change and the fear of losing a deep connection. The song explores the importance of maintaining the friendship, suggesting that love might not be the answer for their situation.
