The song "The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind)" by Joss Stone revolves around the theme of longing for lost love and reflecting on the memories and emotions associated with it. The lyrics express the narrator's thoughts and feelings about a past relationship that they still deeply miss and cherish. The song highlights the longing and reminiscing that takes place when the narrator realizes the significance of their former love. They express how they have been thinking about the good times they shared and how it wasn't just the influence of alcohol that made them feel this way. They acknowledge that the love they had with their partner continues to occupy their thoughts and has a lasting impact on their mind. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is still deeply affected by the absence of their loved one. Despite trying to move on and accepting the loss, they confess that the loneliness they feel is overwhelming. They express a yearning for their partner's presence, emphasizing that if they were nearer, they could better understand the narrator's feelings and see the extent of their longing. The song also touches upon the challenges and uncertainties of relationships. The narrator acknowledges that love can sometimes be unpredictable and brings both joy and heartache. They recognize that they have experienced loss and have learned from it, yet they continue to miss their ex-lover deeply. Overall, the song portrays the deep emotional impact love has on the narrator and how the memories and emotions associated with that love persist despite the passage of time. It reflects on the bittersweet nature of love and the enduring longing for a lost relationship.