Song Meaning

The lyrics repeatedly pose the question "What's love?" This isn't just a simple query; it's a demand for definition, a challenge to the listener and perhaps a partner. The constant repetition creates a sense of urgency and confusion, as if the narrator is searching for an answer that remains just out of reach. The background vocals, asking "Got to do, got to do with it, babe?", directly link this abstract question to a specific, perhaps failing, relationship. The core tension lies between the abstract ideal of love and its practical application in a relationship. The narrator insists "It should be about us, it should be about trust, babe." This line acts as a thesis statement, contrasting with the preceding, unresolved questioning. It suggests that while the narrator might be confused about love's broader meaning, they have a clear expectation for how it should manifest between them and their partner: mutual focus and unwavering trust. The most striking aspect of the craft here is the relentless, almost hypnotic, repetition of "What's love?" paired with the insistent "It should be about us, it should be about trust, babe." This creates a powerful push-and-pull. The initial questioning feels like a plea or a complaint, but the subsequent declaration of what love *should* be transforms it into an assertion of standards. The structure hammers home the narrator's desire for clarity and commitment, using the very act of asking to build towards a definitive statement. This lyrical approach is effective because it mirrors the experience of questioning a relationship's foundation. The endless loop of "What's love?" captures the frustration and doubt that can arise when actions don't align with professed feelings. By then immediately pivoting to the simple, direct requirements of "us" and "trust," the lyrics offer a clear, albeit demanding, path forward, making the listener feel the weight of both the confusion and the desired resolution.