The Lovers Are Losing

The modern world is now in such a state of alienation, hostility, and degradation, that no matter how you arrange your dreams, hopes, or desires; Love -- the most fundamentally human quality we have -- is losing to these things. The dehumanization of the world. Just a thought.

I think it's a reflection - and a damn catchy one at that - on the classic battle of left brain v right brain-type dichotomy.

Do you spend all your effort chasing career, "dreams", pushing yourself, adventure, growth, something new - what we consider "success" in a modern western world. Or do you stay close to what is comfortable and deeply connected. That other, less anxious, aspect is where the "lovers" live. Got a double entendre here because the "lovers" could simply be that type of person or it could be a lament to breaking up once someone wants to move on.

As someone begins "rearranging" their life when they "don't like the way the things have been goin.", what's the typical first thing to go? The romantic partner. And that aspect is what gets sacrificed to make way for more.

God, why would Keane write such a negative song? The song seems to be telling me that I have no hope of achieving my dreams.

But at the same time, the line "I dreamed I had nothing at all" tells me that I already have everything I need. If he was dreaming that he had nothing, that means that in reality, he had something.

Maybe the message isn't that you can't achieve your dreams, but that you should let them play themselves out without rearranging them, just because you don't like where they seem to be going.

Hmm this is tricky but I'll give it a go. One of the main themes of the album is apparently the contemporary world, and so this could be a critique on that.

So perhaps it's about people not being happy with the simple things; needing this Hollywood style romance and quick fixes.

However, the protagonist seems to have things already, since he dreams he has nothing. Perhaps he feels out of touch with the materialistic values of the Western world, and therefore feels separate, alone and muffled by it.

Maybe the song is an appreciation that we all strive for love, the everlasting fabled love of a halcyon time which is simply unreachable.

oh my god .. I love this song soooo much .. its about some one confusing in love and have alot of fears ,, and if he didn't stand for his self and be strong and let all the un real fears go away he well lose the person he love ..

You take the pieces of the dreams that you had cause you don't like the way they seem to be going you cut them up and spread them out on the floor you're full of hope as you begin rearranging put it all back together but in the final reckoning we're trying the lovers are losing

i think the main premise of this song is rather simple: no matter how hard you try to keep a relationship together, if it's not meant to be, it will end. It's a difficult thing to accept -- when love has left one side, or both sides of the equation. And in the end, you are by yourself... So this song is an anthem of sorts to those that try in vain to hold on to something they know is slipping away...

You take the pieces of the dreams that you have 'Cause you don't like the way they seem to be going You cut them up and spread them out on the floor You're full of hope as you begin rearranging Put it all back together But anyway you look at things and try The lovers are losing

This is a great song... I'm not sure why noone commented it yet.

Great first single. I agree with awillis and rscofield thoughts. If a couple ("The Lovers") isn't ready to fight against adversity and the current situation of the world, "The Lovers" will lose this fight.

"I dreamed I was watching A young lover's dance I reached out to touch your hand But I was watching from a distance"

To me this seems like a couple drifiting apart from each other.

"We cling to love like a skidding car Clings to a corner I try to hold on to what we are The more I squeeze the quicker we alter"

This may refer to a couple clinging on to their feelings for each other, the only thing they have left.

So in general, I think that this song refers to the current situation in the world, when couples find out that their dreams aren't what they used to be and deception comes. Although "The Lovers" are losing this fight, they still have the chance to turn things around and win this.

I can relate to this song on a personal level, which is probably why it touches me deeply. If you've seen the video, it is apparent that it is about the destruction of the world (by our own hands) and what little value we hold for basic human emotion and life in the midst of our differences. Currently in an interracial, interreligious relationship - I understand the scrutinies of trying to bind together and form unions that only you, and the person you love, are willing to support. We're so torn apart being black, white, Asian, hispanic, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, etc. that being up in arms and ready to inflict each other is the only thing that brings us comfort. We're all out for each other rather than collectively forming together and making the world a better place for our children.

While Charlie seems to be singing about "lovers that are losing", this song is inevitably about hope and the strength of the human spirit. That in the face of the most difficult adversaries, we are still ready to fight for a cause - the human cause - to get rid of our petty differences, even if the fight is not necessarily won.

maybe cos the meaning is obvious, i love it anyway