What Is Love?

Lee Hi's song 'What Is Love?' delves into the intricate and often perplexing nature of romantic relationships. The lyrics explore the confusion and uncertainty that come with trying to understand another person's feelings and intentions. From the very beginning, the song highlights the difficulty of shaking off thoughts about a significant other, even in mundane activities like eating or watching something. This constant preoccupation with the other person underscores the emotional intensity and vulnerability that love brings.

The song also touches on the theme of differences within a relationship. Lee Hi uses metaphors like 'warm coffee and cold coffee' and 'black and white' to illustrate how two people can be fundamentally different yet still deeply connected. These differences can create a sense of unpredictability and fear, as the singer worries about potentially ruining the relationship. The repeated questioning of 'What is love?' and the fear of 'messing it all up' reflect the anxiety and self-doubt that often accompany romantic feelings.

In the latter part of the song, Lee Hi expresses a desire to fully understand and possess her partner, despite recognizing that this might be driven by selfishness. The lyrics reveal a longing to be perfect for the other person, to say the right things and make them smile. This yearning for approval and the fear of failure highlight the pressures and insecurities that can come with love. Ultimately, the song captures the bittersweet nature of love—its 'sweetest taste' mixed with the fear of making mistakes and the challenge of truly understanding another person's heart.