Lines like "I can see your face / But I know that it's not real" suggest a psychological struggle where memory and lingering feelings create a persistent "illusion" of the former partner's presence.
The central metaphor is the persistent spark of a past love that refuses to die, causing "too much confusion" and anger for the narrator. Shaun Murphy - Old Love
While she performed it live with Clapton for years, Murphy released her own studio version on her 2020 album, Flame Still Burns . This album was notable for being an "all-covers" project released during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer a "stand for the positive". Lines like "I can see your face /
Shaun Murphy’s history with the song dates back to her time in Eric Clapton's band during the 1980s. She toured with Clapton for his Behind the Sun album and performed on world stages, including Live Aid. This album was notable for being an "all-covers"
Shaun Murphy ’s rendition of is a cornerstone of her solo career, bridging her storied past as a legendary backing vocalist with her contemporary status as a blues powerhouse. Originally co-written by her former boss Eric Clapton and Robert Cray, Murphy’s version reimagines the track with a gritty, soul-drenched perspective. Musical Significance & Origins