What About Love
Austin Mahone
The Heartache of Unreciprocated Commitment
Austin Mahone's "What About Love" is a poignant exploration of the feelings of confusion and abandonment that come with a one-sided end to a relationship. The lyrics convey the protagonist's struggle to understand how the love and promises shared between two people could suddenly become meaningless to one of them. The storm imagery in the opening lines suggests a tumultuous emotional state, with the 'thunder' and 'rain like fire' symbolizing the intensity of the protagonist's feelings as their 'world's going under.'
The repeated refrain 'What about love?' serves as a plea for recognition of the commitment and promises that were made. It's a question that seeks to understand how the other person could move on so easily, leaving the protagonist to deal with the pain of the breakup alone. The metaphor of having one's wings cut, leading to a fall, illustrates the sense of loss and helplessness that follows the end of a relationship that was once uplifting and supportive.
Mahone's song resonates with anyone who has experienced the cold realization that the person they love has changed or moved on. The contrast between the warmth of past memories and the current coldness reflects the protagonist's longing for the way things used to be. The song's emotional depth is amplified by the artist's vocal delivery, which captures the raw vulnerability of grappling with unrequited love and broken promises.