Meaning of Back when we had all night and we were happy

In Taylor Swift's song titled "We Were Happy," the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past relationship filled with joy and a sense of unlimited time. The line "Back when we had all night and we were happy" captures the essence of the song's themes and forms a critical part of its narrative.One of the primary themes explored in this line is the fleeting nature of happiness. It reflects a time when the couple had seemingly endless hours in which they could be together and revel in their happiness. The imagery of the porch lights shining bright is symbolic of the carefree nature of their relationship, where they could stroll through the streets without any obligations or time constraints. It represents a time when their happiness was unburdened by the responsibilities and pressures of adult life.Another theme that emerges from this line is the notion of nostalgia. The speaker reflects on these moments with a sense of longing and nostalgia for a time when they were content and deeply connected. The phrase "Before I had somewhere to be" suggests that life has moved on, and the speaker now has responsibilities and commitments that prevent them from enjoying the simple pleasures they once shared. This nostalgia permeates the song, highlighting the speaker's desire to reclaim the happiness they once had.Furthermore, the line suggests that happiness was intrinsically linked to the amount of time they had together. The phrase "Back when we had all night" implies that their happiness was intertwined with the duration of their time spent together. It suggests that their happiness was amplified by the abundance of time they had at their disposal. In contrast, the implication that they no longer have "all night" emphasizes the limitations and constraints they now face in maintaining their happiness.The line also touches on the theme of lost innocence. The phrase "Back when we had all night and we were happy" conjures a sense of youthful exuberance and carefree innocence. It reflects a period in the relationship when both parties were unjaded by life's challenges, optimistic about the future, and believed that their happiness would be everlasting. However, as life progressed, responsibilities and harsh realities may have crept in, causing a loss of that innocence and a sense of longing for what once was.Ultimately, the theme of this line ties back to the overarching theme of the song – the longing for lost happiness and the desire to recapture it. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of happiness, the impact of time on relationships, and the nostalgia that lingers when those moments of pure joy become distant memories. Through this line, Taylor Swift captures the experience of reflecting on past happiness and the longing to return to a time when everything felt right.