"All It Was" by Julia Cole is a song about a past romance that was filled with passion and excitement, but eventually faded away. The lyrics describe the intense connection between two people, symbolized by the imagery of "eyes like the sky" and a "touch like the heat." The protagonist reminisces about a summer fling, spent on a beach in Galveston, Texas, where they shared intimate moments, including a first kiss and the hopeful anticipation of love. The song reflects on how quickly this intense connection can vanish, represented by the idea of "names in the sand the waves washed away" and the realization that there is no longer any evidence of the mark left by the person who once meant so much. The protagonist finds it hard to believe that it has been three years since the relationship ended, indicating the lingering impact it had on them. Despite the initial intensity and potential promise of the relationship, the lyrics reveal that it ultimately fizzled out. The line "It was 'til it wasn't" signifies the transition from something that could have been significant to something that no longer exists. The phrase "It is what it isn't" suggests acceptance of the current state of the relationship - acknowledging that it didn't work out. The song captures the bittersweet nature of reminiscing on a past love, with the protagonist still longing for the passion and connection they once shared. However, they come to terms with the fact that it is now only a memory, understanding that "that's all it was;" a fleeting and unfulfilled love. Overall, "All It Was" explores the brief but impactful nature of a past romance and the lingering emotions and nostalgia associated with it.
