The song "Save It" by Gilbert O'Sullivan addresses the theme of a love that has ended, with the narrator urging their former partner to save their love for someone else. The key lyrics in the song provide insight into the meaning and message conveyed.
The opening line, "Save it for your children, this love that you've got," suggests that the narrator believes the love between them and their ex-partner is still valuable and should be preserved for future generations. It could also imply that the narrator believes their love was strong enough to create a lasting impact, even if they are no longer together.
The line "Save it for your loved ones who come to you each day, no matter what you do to them" shows that the narrator recognizes the unconditional love that the ex-partner receives from others, contrasting it with their own experience. There is a sense of bitterness as the narrator expresses that these loved ones will never have to say they don't love the ex-partner anymore, while the narrator's love has changed.
The line "Save it for another who's asking for your love, the only one who knows the truth will never know enough" suggests that the narrator acknowledges that their ex-partner will find someone else to love them, but it won't be the same intensity or depth of love as what they once shared. There is a subtle critique of the ex-partner's inability to fully understand or appreciate the love they had.
The reference to a priest and a marriage ceremony in the line "Save it for the priest, then who might one day say to you, 'Do you take this man for your husband?' Answer him, 'I do'" raises the idea of commitment and the possibility of the ex-partner moving on and finding happiness in a different relationship. The narrator expresses resignation to this future scenario and wishes for the ex-partner's happiness, even though they won't be part of it.
The final verses indicate the narrator's determination to move forward and forget the ex-partner, even if it requires drastic measures such as taking a trip abroad in search of a fresh start. They declare that they don't care anymore about the ex-partner's actions or how the ex-partner was unfair to them.
Symbolically, the act of saving something can represent holding onto memories or emotions. In this song, the act of "saving" refers to the ex-partner preserving their love for someone else, emphasizing the idea that love is not finite or limited to one particular person.
Overall, "Save It" is a bittersweet and introspective song about accepting the end of a relationship, urging the ex-partner to move on while reflecting on the complex emotions that still linger. The song's significance lies in its exploration of love, resilience, and the power to let go and find happiness elsewhere.