In connecting with this song I see that it doesn't have to be about romantic love. I see this song as about regret, missed opportunities, and losing someone you love (not just in death). There must have been someone that he loved who experienced many hardships. He could have done something to help them out or at least relieve some of the pain, but he didn't. He didn't allow them to get as close as they could have been, and thus he was ignorant of what they were facing until they were gone. Now he regrets not seeing their pain and helping them. He pledges to keep his love for them as it's all he can do now.
In connecting with this song I see that it doesn't have to be about romantic love. I see this song as about regret, missed opportunities, and losing someone you love (not just in death). There must have been someone that he loved who experienced many hardships. He could have done something to help them out or at least relieve some of the pain, but he didn't. He didn't allow them to get as close as they could have been, and thus he was ignorant of what they were facing until they were gone. Now he regrets not seeing their pain and helping them. He pledges to keep his love for them as it's all he can do now.