Myth Analysis

The scholarly meaning of the word myth is a “traditional story”. The word mythology means a folklore that a certain culture believes to be true. Mythology also refers to a branch of knowledge dealing with the study of myths (Mythology).
Romantic love is a social construction specific to Western Culture (Bartels, A. & Zeki, S.). Romantic love is characteristically directed towards a single person (Bartels, A. & Zeki, S.). Romantic love myths involve being erotic, cognitive, emotional and behavioral components (Bartels, A. & Zeki, S.).
The romance level surrounding Valentine’s Day is very significant during the month of February. Lovers around the world have been exchanging Valentine cards, flowers and chocolates with each other on February 14th, for a long time (Couto, T.). Perhaps this is the one day out of the year when we all fall for the myth of romance. The myth of St. Valentine’s Day states that if you stare at the star filled sky long enough, that you will see Cupid’s arrow of love and desire sailing through the air going to an unsuspecting target (Couto, T.). St. Valentine’s Day is actually the day Priest Valentine was declared a saint in 496 by Pope Gelasius, and February 14 became his feast day (Couto, T.).
A more contemporary version of the romance myth is in a song by Keith Urban. Keith Urban is a popular country-pop music singer in his thirties that is extremely popular with the younger and middle aged groups. The particular song I have chosen is titled, Once in a Lifetime. During the time in which this song became popular, Keith was just married to his wife Nicole Kidman, so love and romance was in the air.

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The song starts out singing about the visual component of romantic love. The song states “I can see it in your eyes…” It has been stated that one of the first stages of the romance component is being erotic. This song depicts that and goes on to say “feel it in your touch…I know that your scared.” The cognitive component of the verses of the song says that “if anyone can make it, I’m bettin’ on me and you.” I chose this song as it starts from the first initial phases of a relationship and moves through the next phases of relationship, all wrapped up in one piece of art.
In the middle of this song, the myth of this romantic relationship goes into the next phase and the following verse describes that, “Sayin ‘I do’ and they’re throwing the rice in our hair.” This song evolves into standing next to someone and saying I do at a wedding ceremony. One can sit and listen to this song and mentally picture this relationship developing. The relationship further grows and includes the following “Well the first one’s born. And a brother comes along, And he’s got your smile.” The romance has evolved into a committed relationship and the couple have started a family.
The romantic myth that enhances this song is intriguing. In my opinion, this song is a perfect example of a contemporary romantic myth. See Figure 1 to view a photograph of the couple and the entire song lyrics.

Figure 1 Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman-Urban
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Once In A Lifetime lyrics

...Mm hmm

I can see it in your eyes
And feel it in your touch
I know that you're scared
But you've never been this loved (mm hmm)

It's a long shot, baby,
I know it's true.
But if anyone can make it,
I'm bettin' on me and you. (mm hmm)

Just keep on moving into me,
I know you're gonna see
The best is yet to come

And don't fear it now,
We're going all the way.
That sun is shining on a brand new day.
It's a long way down
And it's a leap of faith
But we're never giving up
Cuz i know we've got a once in a lifetime love

Everybody's looking
For what we've found
Some wait their whole life
And it never comes around. (uu huhh)

So don't hold back now.
Just let go of all you've ever known
You can put your hand in mine.

And don't fear it now,
We're going all the way.
That sun is shining on a brand new day.
It's a long way down
And it's a leap of faith
But we're never giving up
Cuz i know we've got a once in a lifetime love

I close my eyes and i see you standing right there
Sayin 'i do' and they're throwing the rice in our hair.
Well the first one's born
And a brother comes along,
And he's got your smile.
I've been looking back on the life we had
I'm still by your side.

So don't fear it now,
We're going all the way.
That sun is shining on a brand new day.
It's a long way down
And it's a leap of faith
But I'm never givin up
Cuz i know we've got a once in a lifetime love.


Romantic love myths are sometimes just that “myths”. We watch TV and see the absolutely worst two people getting married and there simply is no romance and it is just wrong. According to White Knights, Glass Slippers and Other Romantic Myths, in reality women really do fall for the whole romantic myths mindset and think romantic notions are proof of love (Leffew, J., 2008). The fact of the matter is that the majority of men love their significant others but do unfortunately do not think or act romantically

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(Leffew, J., 2008). On the other hand, we see romantic myths that proceed full circle and actually turn into meaningful relationships, such as Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman.