"Love on the Rocks" is a song performed by Julie London, released in 1962. The lyrics depict a person who has been hurt by love and has become disillusioned with it. The opening lines compare love to red wine, stating that just like wine needs time to age and develop flavor, love also needs time to mature. However, it goes on to express the disappointment when even the best love turns sour, comparing it to wine going bad. This idea emphasizes the sadness and bitterness the person feels towards love. The following lines talk about the negative aspects of love, using cocktail metaphors. It mentions a combination of lies, fights, crying, and lost dreams, creating the image of a toxic and unhappy relationship. The lyrics suggest that the person has endured too much pain and has reached a breaking point where they no longer want to answer love's call. The chorus further reinforces the person's decision to give up on love and find solace in drinking. They toast to love and declare it's time to get high, implying that they will turn to alcohol to numb themselves from the pain. The reference to "love in your eye" can be interpreted as a toast to the listener, almost sarcastically suggesting that they'll experience the same heartache. The closing lines express a final farewell to love, stating that after consuming this last drink, they won't care about love anymore. The repetition of "Love on the rocks" in the lyrics acts as a reminder of the disappointment and disillusionment the person has faced in their romantic experiences. Overall, "Love on the Rocks" tells a story of a person who has been hurt by love and has chosen to turn their back on it, seeking refuge in alcohol instead. It conveys a sense of bitterness, resignation, and a desire to escape the pain caused by love.
