What Is This Thing Called Love?

Song Meaning

Keely Smith's rendition of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" is not just a song; it's an elegantly phrased existential crisis set to music. The track dives headfirst into the age-old question of love's baffling nature, a query that resonates as much today as it did when the song first emerged. Smith's delivery, imbued with a blend of curiosity and wounded vulnerability, transforms the tune into a personal lament, echoing the universal experience of love's bewildering impact. The central question isn't merely rhetorical; it's a genuine plea for understanding in the face of emotional turmoil. The lyrics portray love as a 'crazy thing,' and this encapsulates the inherent contradiction: its power to elevate and devastate. The narrative unfolds with the simplicity of a classic torch song, immediately painting a picture of heartbreak. The singer recounts a moment of idyllic encounter ('I saw you there one wonderful day') that quickly turns sour ('You took my heart and threw it away'). This abrupt shift underscores love's capricious nature, highlighting how quickly joy can turn to despair. The repetition of the question, 'What is this thing called love?' emphasizes the singer's bewilderment and sense of betrayal. It's a cry from the heart, directed not only at the elusive concept of love itself, but perhaps also at a higher power ('That's why I ask the Lord in heaven above'), suggesting a search for meaning beyond the earthly realm. Ultimately, Keely Smith’s version of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" becomes an introspective journey, grappling with love’s paradoxical blend of pleasure and pain. The song's genius lies in its ability to articulate a complex emotion with disarming simplicity, capturing the essence of romantic disillusionment. It doesn't offer answers, but rather invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love, acknowledging its inherent mystery and the emotional rollercoaster it often entails. The song meaning transcends mere heartbreak; it's about the quest to understand one of life's most profound and perplexing experiences.