The meaning of the lyrics of the song "I Thought I Knew What Love Was[Deluxe Edition Bonus Track]" by the artist "Tom Odell"

In "I Thought I Knew What Love Was," Tom Odell reflects on his naive perceptions of love and how encountering a certain person shattered his illusions.

The song opens with the narrator expressing his simplistic and idealistic views on love. He believes it to be a choice, controllable and error-proof with enough effort. He sees it as a source of pure pleasure.

However, the arrival of "you" disrupts these beliefs. Love is revealed to be a force akin to a storm, uncontrollable and consuming. It ignites a thirst for more, leaving the narrator wanting.

Further, the narrator shares his expectations from the relationship. He hoped for reciprocity, for his feelings to be mirrored. The disappointment and shattered hopes are emphasized by the line "I think I got it wrong."

The departure of the beloved becomes a turning point. The narrator recognizes the true nature of love – its duality. Love is sweet but can be cruel, enduring but merciless. It operates outside the realm of rules and guarantees.

The recurring phrase "Oh, I thought I knew what love was" emphasizes the narrator's transformation. He acknowledges his previous ignorance and how this encounter unveiled the true essence of love, its complexity, and unpredictability.