☝️ Key Points
- The singer is in a one-sided relationship and feels hurt and confused, as expressed in the repeated lines 'Baby, don't hurt me'.
- He is unsure and seeking answers, as evident in the lines 'So what is right? And what is wrong? Give me a sign'.
- The verse 'What can I do? What else can I say? It's up to you.' showcases his helplessness and indecision regarding the relationship.
- 'I want no other, No other love' and 'I need you forever' highlight his strong attachment and loyalty to his partner, despite the emotional difficulties.
- The repeated chorus 'What is love?' poses the central question of the song and showcases the singer's tumultuous feelings and uncertainty.
Interpretation
The song 'What Is Love' by
Haddaway represents an emotional search for the meaning of love. The singer seems to be in a relationship where he gives love but doesn't receive the same affection in return, as evident in the lyrics 'I give you my love, but you don't care'. He feels hurt and confused, hence the repeated lines 'Baby, don't hurt me, don't hurt me no more'.
He longs for a clear answer, as expressed in the lines 'So what is right? And what is wrong? Give me a sign'. The singer doesn't know how to deal with the situation, as conveyed in the verse 'What can I do? What else can I say? It's up to you'.
He feels a deep connection with his partner ('I know we're one, just me and you'), but is unsure if his feelings are reciprocated. He can't go on like before and expresses this with 'I can't go on'.
In the third verse, he makes it clear that he wants no other love ('I want no other, no other love') and that he needs his partner forever ('I need you forever'). But he is unsure if what he feels is truly love ('Is it love?').
Overall, 'What Is Love' is an expression of confusion and vulnerability in a one-sided love.