I Don't Know What Love Is

The song 'I Don't Know What Love Is' from the soundtrack of 'A Star Is Born' delves into the complex and often confusing nature of love. The lyrics express a deep sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, as the narrator grapples with their understanding of love. The repeated line, 'I don't know what love is,' underscores this confusion, suggesting that love is an elusive and perhaps unattainable concept without the presence of the beloved. The narrator's admission that they think love might just be fear adds another layer of complexity, hinting at the anxiety and insecurity that often accompany deep emotional connections.

The song employs rich metaphors to convey the narrator's emotional state. References to a 'heart's concerto' and 'paradise in blue' evoke a sense of beauty and harmony, yet these images are tinged with a dreamlike quality, suggesting that the narrator's understanding of love is more fantasy than reality. The mention of an angel and the ability to choose any color further emphasize the idealized and almost surreal nature of their feelings. Despite these lofty images, the narrator remains grounded in their uncertainty, acknowledging that they don't fully grasp what love is but suspect it might be embodied in the person they are addressing.

'I Don't Know What Love Is' also touches on themes of courage and perseverance. The narrator admits to lacking the courage to fully understand or act on their feelings, often feeling the need to 'crawl' and 'fall' in their efforts to stand by their loved one. This struggle highlights the challenges and emotional labor involved in love, portraying it as a journey fraught with difficulties but also moments of profound beauty and revelation. The song captures the essence of love as a complex, multifaceted experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.