Song Meaning
Suzi Quatro's "Whatever Love Is" isn't a straightforward declaration of affection; it's a study in the contradictions and complexities of modern love, viewed through a lens of almost desperate romanticism. The song paints a portrait of a woman who is both ethereal and grounded, a "shining star" juxtaposed with someone who "fears God / And she reads scripture." This duality suggests an internal conflict, a struggle between innocence and experience, further emphasized by the line about her lost innocence "somewhere out there in the frozen lights." The singer seems captivated by this multifaceted persona, drawn to the enigma she presents. This isn't just about surface attraction; it's about the allure of someone whose inner world is as rich and turbulent as her outer beauty.
The repeated refrain, "Whatever love is," acts as both a question and a defiant statement. It acknowledges the ambiguity of love, the difficulty in defining or containing it within neat boundaries. But it also underscores a willingness to embrace love in all its messy, undefined glory. The lyrics, "If you want true security / I'm in love with you tonight / Whatever love is," imply a yearning for stability and commitment, yet framed within the understanding that love itself is inherently unpredictable. This tension between wanting security and accepting the unknown is central to the song's emotional core.
Ultimately, the song meaning circles around the idea of unconditional acceptance. The singer sees this woman's flaws and contradictions, her lost innocence and her connection to something spiritual, yet still declares unwavering devotion. "She's part of the madness / Life has gifted me" suggests an embrace of the chaos and unpredictability that love brings. "Whatever Love Is" becomes a testament to the power of seeing someone fully, with all their imperfections, and choosing to love them anyway. It's a love that transcends easy definition, a love that exists in the face of uncertainty, a love that is, simply, whatever it is.
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