What Is Love

Song Meaning

The narrator’s devotion is unwavering, a steadfast beacon even when met with doubt. They declare their love irrespective of reciprocation or the other person's perception, finding no reason to be bothered by uncertainty. This persistent affection sets the stage for a deeper contemplation of love's very nature. The core tension arises from the narrator's profound, almost unconditional love juxtaposed with a universal questioning of love's existence and its capacity for absolute security. The repeated question, "What is love anyway?" and "Does anybody love anybody anyway?" highlights a profound existential doubt that underpins even the narrator's own committed stance. The lyrics propose a redefinition of love, moving beyond possessiveness and fear. The idea that "love is letting people be just what they want to be" and keeping "the door always must be left unlocked" suggests a mature, accepting form of affection. This perspective shift frames doubt not as a threat, but as an inevitable part of human connection, something to be accepted rather than feared. This approach is effective because it grounds an abstract philosophical question in a personal, almost defiant declaration of love. By embracing the uncertainty and offering a more open-ended definition, the lyrics resonate with the complexities of real relationships, acknowledging that love doesn't erase fear but can coexist with it, making the narrator's steadfastness all the more compelling.