Written by: Derek Webb
Appears on: Long Line of Leavers
Lyrics:
Well, it looks like five thousand miles broke the camel’s back
But it’s not as though I had a plan to win you back
Because I don’t know what I want
But at least I know that much
Now I’m afraid love came right up
And it slapped me in the face, but I did not know
‘Cause love is different than you’d think
It’s never in a song or on a TV screen
And love is harder than a word
Said at the right time and everything’s alright
Love is different than you think
So I won’t expect a postcard from Trafalgar Square
But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care
Because you can’t just turn it off
And put a blindfold on your heart
But I’m off to a good start
A continent away, but I do not know
But maybe you’re the dream I’m waking from
‘Cause I see you everywhere I go
Darlin’ you are such a mystery to me, you know
See also: MusicBrainz, iTunes.
From the Author: “As often as our culture tries to tell us what love is, I thought I would put down a little of what I believe love is not. Love is neither a 30-minute sitcom, nor is it a sappy pop ballad. Rather, it is the most difficult and most profound of human experiences, but thanks to our post-modern culture coupled with our own capacity for sin, it’s often much different than we would think.”
What it Means:
This song is the last of a 3-part series of tunes (including ‘Somewhere North’ and ‘Daring Daylight Escape’) that Derek wrote about a relationship he had. This song was written after he and the girl had broken up. It sums up Derek’s realization that “love is different” than the things our pop culture promotes. “Love is more complicated than just one song about one great day that you had,” says Derek in regards to the song.
“Well, it looks like five thousand miles broke the camel’s back” and “So I won’t expect a postcard from Trafalgar Square”…refers to the fact that the girl ended up moving to London at the time she and Derek split up.