What Is Love?

Never Shout Never's song 'What Is Love?' delves into the intricate and often painful dynamics of familial relationships and the concept of love. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the struggles and sacrifices that parents make, and how these actions shape the understanding of love for their children. The song is written from the perspective of a child observing the hardships faced by their parents, questioning the true nature of love in the process.

The song opens with a depiction of a challenging life, where the mother works tirelessly, her days blending into a monotonous routine. The child acknowledges the mother's efforts and expresses a hope that she won't leave, highlighting a fear of abandonment. This fear is compounded by the haunting thoughts that plague the mother, suggesting a deep-seated anxiety and dissatisfaction with her life. The repeated question, 'What is love?' underscores the child's confusion and search for meaning in the face of these struggles.

Similarly, the second verse shifts focus to the father, who is portrayed as a hardworking man burdened by guilt and regret. The child perceives the father's efforts to provide and his sorrow for the emotional distance that has grown within the family. The father's daily return home, filled with hopes and dreams, is met with the child's plea for stability and continuity in their parents' relationship. The recurring question about love, coupled with the child's reflection on how they were raised, suggests a longing for a more profound and enduring understanding of love that transcends mere survival and routine.

The song's chorus, with its repeated questioning of 'What is love?' and the contemplation of whether love equates to giving up, captures the essence of the child's internal conflict. The child grapples with the dissonance between the idealized notion of love they were taught and the harsh realities they witness. This introspective journey reflects a broader commentary on the complexities of love, familial duty, and the impact of parental relationships on one's perception of love and self-worth.