What About Love?
Meat Loaf
Eternal Questions of Love and Commitment
Meat Loaf's song "What About Love?" delves into the complexities and enduring questions surrounding love and commitment. The lyrics, shared between a boy and a girl, explore the emotional turmoil and existential queries that arise in a relationship. The song opens with the boy expressing a sense of emptiness and longing, symbolized by a 'hole in the sky.' This imagery sets the stage for a journey through confusion and illusion, where both partners grapple with their feelings and the state of their relationship.
The chorus poses poignant questions about the nature of love and its longevity. The repeated query, 'What about love that lasts forever?' underscores a yearning for a love that endures despite challenges. The lyrics suggest that love requires effort and mutual giving, encapsulated in the line, 'If you don't give you just don't get it.' This sentiment is a reminder that love is a two-way street, demanding commitment and sacrifice from both parties.
As the song progresses, the girl reflects on the rarity and significance of finding a soulmate, someone 'heaven sent.' This notion of a destined love adds a layer of spiritual and emotional depth to the song. The boy and girl both acknowledge their struggles and the pain of separation, yet they also recognize the transformative power of love. The song culminates in a powerful declaration that love, when true and mutual, can set them free. The final verses emphasize the uniqueness of their bond, describing intimate moments that happen 'only once in a lifetime,' reinforcing the idea that their love is both rare and precious.