Meaning of 'Nothing Compares 2 U'

by Sinead O'Connor

Interpretation

The song "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor is a profound and emotional expression of loss and longing. The lyrics tell the story of a person trying to cope with the separation from a loved one. The main theme is the inability to replace this person, as expressed in the chorus "'Cause nothing compares, Nothing compares 2 u".

The singer sings about the loneliness and pain she experiences as a result of the separation. She tries to rebuild her life and move on ("Since u been gone I can do whatever I want, I can see whomever I choose"), but she realizes that nothing and no one can fill the void left by the loved one ("But nothing, I said nothing can take away these blues").

The line "All the flowers that u planted, mama, In the back yard, All died when u went away" is a powerful image of the sadness and emptiness left by the loss. The plants left by the loved one are a symbol of the memories and love they once shared, and their death symbolizes the end of this relationship.

The lines "I know that living with u baby was sometimes hard, But I'm willing to give it another try" show regret and the desire for reconciliation. They are willing to accept the difficulties and resume the relationship because they have realized that nothing fulfills them as much as the love for this person.

Overall, "Nothing Compares 2 U" is a song about the deep emotional pain of loss and the painful realization that sometimes it is impossible to replace what has been lost.