It’s strong and it’s sudden; it can be cruel sometimes, but it just might save your life.”
Huey Lewis, what do you mean? “More than a feeling; … harder than diamonds . . .just might save your life . . . with a little help from above . . . don’t take money, don’t take fame . . . to feel the power of love.”
What level of understanding is the listener supposed to adopt as he or she enjoys this smash hit from 1985?
Listening to it in 2017 with so many years of reflection under my belt, I reflect on these words much differently than when I was a young man. Back then, I only interpreted the power of love to be that between a man and a woman which it certainly depicts masterfully. This romantic love has saved many persons’ lives from destructive choices. Rich or poor, lovers get smitten by the power of love. You may remember in a former blog, “There You Stood,” that I emphasized this power of being smitten which defies any logical explanation. Huey Lewis captures the influence of love dramatically and masterfully. When listening to its lyrics, we can only nod our heads in agreement with a knowing smile.
I submit to you, however, another interpretation. For those of us who believe in God, we must consider that this is not just a secular song but also could be sung in a church singing alleluia. Huey sings, “With a little help from above.” Understated, for sure, but how else can we understand the immensity of the power of love?
In our book, Black and White Like You and Me, we express many of the same points made in the “Power of Love”. Only with this power can we begin to heal wounds as we “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself” (Matthew 22:39).
“It don’t take money; it don’t take fame; it don’t take no credit card to ride this train.” If you remember the song “Love Train” by the O’Jays, you will see some similarities to this interpretation of Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love.” The O’Jays sing, “Don’t you know that it’s time to get on board . . . You don’t need no money.”
Let’s all get on board with our movement and “let this train keep riding, riding on through” all the barriers to the destination of love for one another.
