Song meaning of Love, Patiently by Shakey Graves

The lyrics of "Love, Patiently" by Shakey Graves portray a sense of emotional turmoil and an inability to fully embrace love. The song expresses a feeling of being trapped and suffocated by love, as evidenced by the line, "But I run from the touch of a loved one." The speaker seems to have experienced a difficult relationship in the past ("Dear friend of the girl I once dated"), leading to a deep sense of resentment and a fear of commitment.

The lyrics suggest that the speaker believes there is something inherently lovable about themselves, as indicated by the lines, "I think there's something worth loving in me." However, they struggle to allow themselves to be loved, running away from relationships and never being able to patiently embrace love. The repetition of the line, "You could never love patiently," implies a self-defeating mentality that prevents the speaker from experiencing true, lasting love.

Overall, the song sends a message about the complex nature of love and the difficulties that can arise from past hurts and fears. It highlights the importance of patience and vulnerability in relationships, urging the listener to confront their own emotional barriers to fully embrace love.