In "Joyland," Stephen King reflects on the bittersweet nature of first love, emphasizing that while it is often perceived as a joyful experience, it can lead to profound heartbreak. The idea that many songs celebrate first love contrasts sharply with the pain that follows. The initial bond, cherished and sweet, can turn into a source of deep emotional turmoil when it ends.

This first heartbreak is not only the most painful but also the hardest to heal. The scars it leaves are more pronounced than those from later relationships. King questions the conventional belief that first love is only about sweetness, highlighting the complicated emotions associated with such formative experiences.