What Is This Thing Called Love?

Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald

The Enigmatic Nature of Love in Ella Fitzgerald's Classic

Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of 'What Is This Thing Called Love?' delves into the perplexing and often painful nature of love. The song opens with a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the singer's confusion and frustration. Love is described as a 'funny thing,' suggesting its unpredictable and whimsical nature. The singer is bewildered by love's ability to make a 'fool' of her, indicating that love can lead to irrational behavior and emotional vulnerability.

The narrative takes a personal turn as the singer recounts a specific experience. She recalls meeting someone on a 'wonderful day,' only to have her heart 'thrown away.' This sudden shift from joy to heartbreak underscores the capriciousness of love. The use of the word 'threw' implies a sense of carelessness or disregard, adding to the singer's sense of betrayal and confusion. This personal anecdote serves to illustrate the broader theme of love's unpredictability and the emotional turmoil it can cause.

In the final lines, the singer turns to a higher power, asking the 'lord in heaven above' for answers. This plea for divine insight suggests that the mysteries of love are beyond human understanding. The song captures the universal experience of grappling with love's complexities, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across generations. Ella Fitzgerald's emotive delivery adds depth to the lyrics, making the listener feel the weight of her questions and the sincerity of her quest for understanding.

Share on social media Share as link
  1. It's A Lovely Day Today
  2. All Of You
  3. As Long As I Live
  4. Blue Skies
  5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
  6. In A Mellow Tone
  7. Midnight Sun
  8. The Man I Love
  9. When A Woman Loves A Man
  10. Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
View all Ella Fitzgerald songs

Most popular topics in Ella Fitzgerald songs

Related artists

  1. Stacey Kent
    Stacey Kent
  2. Dinah Washington
    Dinah Washington
  3. Frank Sinatra
    Frank Sinatra
  4. Louis Armstrong
    Louis Armstrong
  5. Diana Krall
    Diana Krall
  6. Bing Crosby
    Bing Crosby
  7. Etta James
    Etta James
  8. Peggy Lee
    Peggy Lee