Classic Computer Magazine Archive ANTIC VOL. 4, NO. 9 / JANUARY 1986

It Must Be Love Page

: Theological analyses contrast "It Must Be Love" with infatuation. While infatuation is described as "burning hot and fast," true love is defined by sacrifice, patience, and the strength of character required to help another person grow.

: For Siffre , a Black gay artist in the 1970s, the song represented a rare, pure expression of freedom and joy. His lyrics— "I never thought I'd miss you as much as I do" —capture the unexpected weight of affection.

The phrase often serves as a conclusion to the "pity vs. love" or "infatuation vs. love" debate: It Must Be Love

The song "It Must Be Love" was originally a soulful folk-pop track by Labi Siffre that reached number 14 on the UK charts in 1971.

: In modern personal essays, the phrase is sometimes adapted to describe "unmet love"—the deep connection felt toward people from the past or future that inspires meaning even without physical presence. Philosophical and Theological Perspectives : Theological analyses contrast "It Must Be Love"

: In his research into screenwriting, Philip Guy Mathews used an original screenplay titled It Must Be Love to explore the emotional trajectory of characters within the romance genre. His work suggests that "It Must Be Love" is often the climax of a character's internal transformation or "arc".

: Philosophical essays examining Socrates' view of love suggest that if something is both beautiful and good, "it must be love," though Socrates himself noted that such definitions can become unclear as they are applied to human desires like wealth or strength. His lyrics— "I never thought I'd miss you

The title has been used to explore the "character arc" and the complexities of long-term relationships in various media: