“A Man Without Love” is a classic ballad released by Engelbert Humperdinck in 1968. The song explores themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and the pain of lost love. It gained renewed popularity in 2022 when it was featured prominently in the Marvel Disney+ series “Moon Knight”.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“A Man Without Love” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
I can remember when we walked together
Sharing a love I thought would last forever
Moonlight to show the way so we can follow
Waiting inside her eyes was my tomorrow
Then something changed her mind, her kisses told me
I had no loving arms to hold me
In the opening verse, the narrator reminisces about a past relationship filled with love and hope. He recalls walking together and sharing a bond that he believed would endure forever.
The imagery of moonlight symbolizes guidance and intimacy, suggesting that their love was bright and promising.
However, a shift occurs when he realizes that something has changed in his partner’s feelings, leading to a painful realization that he is now alone and without affection.
The line “I had no loving arms to hold me” emphasizes his sense of abandonment and emotional void.
[Chorus]
Every day I wake up, then I start to break up
Lonely is a man without love
Every day I start out, then I cry my heart out
Lonely is a man without love
Every day I wake up, then I start to break up
Knowing that it’s cloudy above
Every day I start out, then I cry my heart out
Lonely is a man without love
The chorus encapsulates the narrator’s daily struggle with loneliness. Each morning, he wakes up only to feel the weight of his heartbreak.
The repetition of “lonely is a man without love” serves as a poignant reminder of the emptiness he experiences.
The phrase “start to break up” conveys a sense of emotional disintegration, highlighting how the absence of love affects his mental state.
The imagery of “cloudy above” suggests a gloomy outlook on life, reinforcing the idea that without love, his world feels dark and hopeless.
[Verse 2]
I cannot face this world that’s fallen down on me
So if you see my girl, please send her home to me
Tell her about my heart that’s slowly dying
Say I can’t stop myself from crying
In the second verse, the narrator expresses his inability to cope with the pain of losing his partner. He feels overwhelmed by the challenges of life without her presence. The plea to send his girl back home signifies his desperation and longing for reconciliation.
He describes his heart as “slowly dying,” illustrating the profound impact of her absence on his well-being. The mention of crying underscores his vulnerability and the depth of his sorrow.
[Chorus]
Every day I wake up, then I start to break up
Lonely is a man without love
Every day I start out, then I cry my heart out
Lonely is a man without love
Every day I wake up, then I start to break up
Knowing that it’s cloudy above
Every day I start out, then I cry my heart out
Lonely is a man without love
Every day I wake up, then I start to break up
Lonely is a man without love
Every day I start out, then I cry my heart out
Lonely is a man without love
The repetition of the chorus throughout the song reinforces the central theme of loneliness and heartbreak. By reiterating the daily cycle of waking up and feeling lost, the narrator emphasizes the relentless nature of his grief.
The consistent refrain of crying his heart out illustrates the ongoing emotional turmoil he faces, making it clear that the pain of being without love is a persistent struggle.
Deeper Meaning Behind “A Man Without Love”
“A Man Without Love” by Engelbert Humperdinck is a poignant ballad that explores the profound loneliness and emotional turmoil experienced by someone who has lost love. The song depicts a man struggling to cope with the end of a relationship he thought would last forever.
The protagonist reminisces about happier times with his former love, emphasizing the pain of their separation, as he sings, “I can remember when we walked together/ Sharing a love I thought would last forever.”
The song portrays the daily struggle of waking up alone and facing a world that feels empty without love. The repeated refrain “Lonely is a man without love” underscores the deep sense of despair and isolation felt by the singer.
In the lines “I cannot face this world that’s fallen down on me/ So if you see my girl, please send her home to me,” There’s a plea for the lost love to return, showing the lingering hope for reunion despite the pain.
The song’s enduring popularity stems from its relatable portrayal of heartbreak and its ability to resonate with listeners who have experienced similar emotions.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.