“I Knew I Loved You” Lyrics Meaning [Explained]

“I Knew I Loved You” was released in 1999 as the second single from Savage Garden’s album “Affirmation”. The track was quickly picked up by US adult contemporary and top 40 radio stations and was eventually released commercially in Australia. 

The song is a romantic ballad that has touched the hearts of millions, becoming an anthem for true love and soulmates. However, the song’s creation was born out of a unique and paradoxical situation, making it even more intriguing.

In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind the song’s lyrics and its origin story.

Lyrics Interpretation

Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.

Verse 1: Love at First Sight

Maybe it’s intuition

But some things you just don’t question

Like in your eyes, I see my future in an instant

And there it goes, I think I’ve found my best friend

The opening verse sets the stage for the theme of the song: the idea that love can be recognized in an instant. The singer suggests that it might be intuition guiding him, but he doesn’t question the feeling he gets when he looks into his partner’s eyes.

He sees his future in their gaze, suggesting a deep connection that goes beyond the physical. The use of the term “best friend” implies a bond that transcends romantic love and encompasses a deep, emotional attachment.

Pre-Chorus: The Power of Belief

I know that it might sound more than a little

Crazy, but I believe

Before diving into the chorus, the singer acknowledges that his feelings might sound irrational, but he is steadfast in his belief. This conviction reinforces the idea that some connections defy logic and reason, making them even more special and meaningful.

Chorus: Love Beyond Time

I knew I loved you before I met you

I think I dreamed you into life

I knew I loved you before I met you

I have been waiting all my life

The chorus is the heart of the song, expressing the idea of love transcending time and space. The singer believes he loved his partner even before they met, suggesting that their connection was predestined.

He thinks he “dreamed” his partner into existence, which emphasizes the ethereal and spiritual nature of their bond. The repetition of “I have been waiting all my life” underlines the anticipation and longing the singer has felt for this special person.

Verse 2: The Missing Piece

There’s just no rhyme or reason

Only this sense of completion

And in your eyes, I see the missing pieces

I’m searching for, I think I found my way home

In the second verse, the singer continues to explore the idea that there’s no logic or explanation for their connection. The only thing he knows is the sense of completion he feels when he’s with his partner. The mention of “missing pieces” and finding his “way home” conveys the idea that his partner is the one who makes him whole, filling in the gaps in his life and soul.

Bridge: A Heavenly Connection

Ooh, ooh, ooh

A thousand angels dance around you

Ooh, ooh, ooh

I am complete now that I’ve found you

The bridge of the song elevates the connection between the singer and his partner to a divine level. The imagery of a thousand angels dancing around the partner implies that their love is blessed and sacred. The singer feels complete now that he has found his true love, reinforcing the theme of wholeness and fulfillment.

Outro: A Timeless Bond

I knew I loved you before I met you (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

I knew I loved you

I knew I loved you before I met you (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

I knew I loved you

I knew I loved you before I met you (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

I knew I loved you before I met you (yeah, yeah, oh)

I knew I loved you

The outro reiterates the central theme of the song, emphasizing the timeless and profound nature of the singer’s love. The repetition of “I knew I loved you before I met you” serves to drive home the idea that their bond transcends time, space, and reason. The mixture of ad-libbed vocalizations adds an emotional depth, highlighting the overwhelming power of love.

True Meaning Behind “I Knew I Loved You”

“I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden is a love song that captures the essence of finding your soulmate and the person you were destined to be with. The song has resonated with many listeners, becoming a popular choice for wedding ceremonies. Interestingly, the creation of this heart-melting ballad was born out of frustration with the duo’s record label.

A Song Born from Frustration

After completing their album “Affirmation,” Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones were pressured by their record label to create a song similar to their hit “Truly Madly Deeply.” The duo believed that “Truly Madly Deeply” was a one-of-a-kind song and couldn’t be replicated. However, they also recognized that their second album lacked a love ballad.

In a moment of defiance against their record company, Hayes and Jones wrote “I Knew I Loved You” in just 40 minutes. Darren Hayes described the song’s creation as a paradoxical situation – a love song born out of spite towards the record company, during a time when he felt “wounded by love.”

A Timeless Classic: The Essence of True Love

Despite its unconventional origin, “I Knew I Loved You” has been praised by music critics for its romantic and emotional depth. Bill Lamb from About.com suggests that the song captures the essence of true love, while AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine calls it “hooky and memorable.”

Larry Flick from Billboard likens the song to the cool and crisp autumn air, with its sweet message of recognizing love at first sight. He notes that the “drenched harmonies add to the overall impact” and describes the song as “absolutely enchanting, one of the most beautiful songs yet of 1999.”

Bob Waliszewski of Plugged In believes that “I Knew I Loved You” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being hopelessly in love. The song has become a timeless classic that evokes powerful emotions in listeners, making it a must-listen for those searching for a song that truly speaks to the heart.

Music Video

Directed by Kevin Bray back in August 1999, the music video was filmed on a subway train set in New York City that was previously used in Seinfeld. 

The video tells a romantic story featuring Darren Hayes, the band’s lead singer, and Kirsten Dunst, a talented American actress. Hayes and Dunst act out a love story on a subway train, where Hayes tries to win Dunst’s heart. During the ride, the train stops due to a power outage, and the passengers join hands. Hayes reaches out to Dunst and as they touch, the video cuts to a montage of the couple walking in a park. They look happy and carefree, laughing and holding hands. 

The video then cuts back to the train, where the power comes back on, and the train pulls into the station. Hayes and Dunst exit with the other passengers, sharing a fleeting glance before going their separate ways. The video also features shots of the band performing alone on the subway platform and in the carriage.

Conclusion