Per the FAQ on Keane's website, Keane's drummer Richard Hughes, stated the following:
"We've been asked whether "Somewhere Only We Know" is about a specific place, and Tim has been saying that, for him, or us as individuals, it might be about a geographical space, or a feeling; it can mean something individual to each person, and they can interpret it to a memory of theirs... It's perhaps more of a theme rather than a specific message... Feelings that may be universal, without necessarily being totally specific to us, or a place, or a time..."
With the nostalgic sentiment and the overall tone of the song, I think Keane is attempting to express a Portuguese term known as 'saudade', which does not have a direct English translation but roughly means "that which we remember because it is gone."
I close my eyes - and feel my heart beat
Why should I try - deny what I need
If you come walkin' through this door
What am I supposed to say or do
With every look I love
You more
So don't you make my
Brown eyes blue
What is love? Without you
You're on my mind - you
Are the only one
Give me a sign - do
You feel lonely
If you cam walking through this door
What am I supposed to say or do
With every look I love you more
So don't you make my brown eyes blue
What is love? Without you
Why should I try - deny what I need
If you come walkin' through this door
What am I supposed to say or do
With every look I love
You more
So don't you make my
Brown eyes blue
What is love? Without you
You're on my mind - you
Are the only one
Give me a sign - do
You feel lonely
If you cam walking through this door
What am I supposed to say or do
With every look I love you more
So don't you make my brown eyes blue
What is love? Without you
Lyrics submitted by Tidalcloud
What Is Love Lyrics as written by Ola Hakansson Alexander Bengt Magnus Bard
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings

Somewhere Only We Know
Keane
Keane

Indigo
Of Mice & Men
Of Mice & Men
This track is about is about questioning why the sky would choose to be blue if it had the choice to be anything else, “blue also meaning sad,” states frontman Aaron Pauley. “It's about comforting a loved one in a time of loss by telling them you feel blue, too.”

MAZZA
slowthai & A$AP Rocky
slowthai & A$AP Rocky
This track is the first official collaboration between the rappers. It was produced by SAMO, slowthai himself & Kwes Darko. The track was released on January 5, 2021, in anticipation of his latest studio album titled "TYRON".

Muffin
KIITA
KIITA
This standout track comes off the artist's latest studio album titled "empathetic". The track was produced by Danny Score and released via notable digital streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify on January 1, 2021.

2021
Lauv
Lauv
This standalone single by Lauv marks the end of the year 2020. The track was produced by Jamil “Digi” Chammas & Lauv, being released via major streaming platforms on December 31, 2020.