That Was Then, This Is Now

The speaker is trying to reassure someone that he has changed. He admits he has had many relationships and treated love lightly, but now he wants to make a serious commitment. The repeated contrast between “then” and “now” gives the song a hopeful, persuasive mood: he is asking for a chance to show that his promises are different this time.

Several phrases express this change indirectly. “My mind’s just swept love aside” suggests he used to ignore or dismiss love. Saying his partner “broke me down and put me wise” means that the relationship made him reconsider his behavior and become more thoughtful; it does not necessarily mean she literally defeated him. “Let me prove my love” also matters: he knows that words alone may not be enough, so he offers to demonstrate his feelings through what he does.

The lyrics present the speaker’s change with confidence, but they leave some uncertainty. He makes a strong vow and says he no longer doubts compassion, yet the song does not show what he will do to keep that promise. His past “broken dreams” could refer to relationships that failed, though the exact experiences are not explained. The song can therefore be heard both as a sincere declaration of growth and as a plea for the other person to trust that he really has changed.