What About Love?
Heart
The Unspoken Longing in Heart's 'What About Love?'
Heart's song 'What About Love?' delves into the complexities of unrequited love and emotional disconnect. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has been waiting and longing for a reciprocation of feelings that never seem to come. The narrator expresses a sense of loneliness and frustration, as their attempts to convey love are met with indifference. This emotional struggle is encapsulated in the lines, 'The love I'm sending / Ain't making it / Through to your heart,' highlighting the pain of unreturned affection.
The song also addresses the other person's emotional barriers. The lyrics suggest that the object of the narrator's affection is adept at hiding their true feelings and maintaining control, possibly to the detriment of their own emotional well-being. 'You've been hiding / Never letting it show / Always trying / To keep it under control,' speaks to a fear of vulnerability and a focus on personal success at the expense of emotional fulfillment. The poignant question, 'What about love?' serves as a reminder that emotional connections are essential, even for those who seem to have everything else under control.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of love and connection, urging the listener not to let these slip away. 'Don't you want someone / To care about you?' is a plea for mutual affection and a reminder that love is a fundamental human need. The song suggests that while one might be successful and in control, the absence of love leaves a void that cannot be filled by achievements alone. The repeated chorus reinforces the idea that love is something worth sharing and cherishing, as it might be needed someday, even by those who seem self-sufficient.