The song "Love Deadly Love" by UFO is about a tumultuous and destructive relationship. The lyrics depict a narrator who finds themselves caught up in a dangerous and toxic love affair. The opening lines describe the narrator on a greyhound bus, feeling defeated and sinking emotionally. They recall a time when they took a gamble on a risky person and got hurt in a fight. The narrator dreams about seeing this person, indicating that they are still consumed by the memories and emotions associated with their past relationship. As the song continues, it becomes clear that the narrator's lover has betrayed and manipulated them. References to a telephone bill and fingers in the till suggest that the lover has been dishonest and unfaithful. The mention of the Chelsea Hotel with a private line indicates that the lover has been living a luxurious and secretive lifestyle at the narrator's expense. The chorus, "Sha la la la I can't let you go, It's not over till it's over, no," conveys the narrator's struggle to move on from this destructive relationship. They are unable to free themselves from the hold their lover has over them, despite the pain and betrayal they have experienced. The repetition emphasizes their inability to let go and move on. In the second verse, the narrator becomes more determined to take revenge on their lover. They leave a calling card, suggesting that they plan to confront or expose their deceitful partner. The mention of Mr. D.O.A (Dead On Arrival) signifies the narrator's intention to bring an end to this toxic relationship. The line "Some they can take it and some lie down, Some just wear that thorny crown like a halo round the head" implies that some people can handle difficult relationships and endure the pain, while others succumb to the negative effects. The recurring line "Sha la la la I can't let you go, It's not over till it's over, no" reinforces the narrator's emotional attachment and inability to break free from their lover's grip. They continue to prioritize their destructive love above all else, even their own well-being. The song concludes with references to potential consequences faced by the narrator, such as a prison sentence or a life cut short. The lines about a possible visit, one phone call, and the hope for remission or parole indicate that the narrator is contemplating the consequences of their actions and the possibility of being separated from their lover. Overall, "Love Deadly Love" narrates the intense, destructive, and captivating nature of a toxic relationship where love has become deadly. It highlights the struggle to let go, seek revenge, and the potential consequences one may face in such destructive affairs.
