☝️ Key Points
- The song expresses the insecurity and fear that arise when revealing one's true feelings to someone.
- It encourages speaking the truth and showing emotions.
- The lyrics pose the question of what can be lost when revealing feelings and emphasize that it's better to take the risk than not to start at all.
- The fear of change and the potential loss of the relationship are addressed.
- The song appeals to listeners to communicate their feelings and take the risk of getting hurt in order to experience a true connection.
Interpretation
"What Can You Lose" is a song by
Madonna that addresses the importance of openness and risk in a relationship. The lyrics express the insecurity and fears that arise when revealing one's true feelings to someone.
In the song, the question is posed of what one can lose by expressing their feelings. It is said that one can only lose the blues, meaning the sadness and melancholy one may feel. The lyrics encourage speaking the truth and showing one's feelings. It is said: "Why keep concealing everything you're feeling? Say it to her, what can you lose?"
It is also suggested that the other person has already received hints of the feelings, but perhaps consciously ignores them. There is contemplation on whether the person already knows but still wants to act as if nothing happened. It is sung: "Maybe though she knows, And just wants to go on as before. As a friend, nothing more. So she closes the door."
The lyrics also express the fear that something could change when the feelings are expressed. It is said that something may be broken, but still, one loves her and wonders what they would have to lose. It is said: "Once the words are spoken, Something may be broken. Still, you love her. What can you lose?"
The song poses the question of what would happen if the other person leaves. It is said that at least now, you have part of her if she stays. It is sung: "What if she goes? At least now, you have part of her. What if she had to choose?"
The lyrics advise against suppressing feelings and keeping everything inside. It is said that it is better to take the risk and possibly get hurt than not to start at all. It is sung: "Leave it alone. Hold it all in. Better a bone. Don't even begin. With so much to win, There's too much to lose."
"What Can You Lose" is a reflective and contemplative ballad that encourages listeners to communicate their feelings and take the risk of being hurt in order to experience true connection."