What Love Is

Song Meaning

Zak Abel's "What Love Is" isn't just another pop song asking a question; it's a raw, existential plea echoing through the anxieties of modern connection. The track encapsulates the universal search for authentic love in a world that often feels performative and fleeting. Abel isn't singing about the abstract concept of love; he's digging into the very human need for genuine connection, especially in moments of vulnerability. The repeated questioning in the chorus, "Someone let me know (What love is)," transforms from a simple query into a desperate mantra, highlighting the singer’s growing impatience and fear of disillusionment. The lyrics paint a picture of someone willing to endure hardship – "dance through the dirt, hope through the hurt" – driven by the profound desire to understand and experience real love. This willingness to push through pain reveals a vulnerability that resonates deeply with anyone who has felt lost in the pursuit of meaningful relationships. What elevates "What Love Is" beyond a typical love song is its exploration of self-acceptance as a prerequisite for finding love. The bridge, with its stark questions – "Who's gonna love me / When the lights are out? / When the curtain's down?" – exposes a deeper insecurity. Abel is grappling with the fear of being unloved when he's no longer performing or projecting an idealized version of himself. This vulnerability is amplified by the line, "When I'm at my worst?" suggesting a fear of rejection stemming from inner demons or past experiences. The song subtly suggests that understanding what love *is* begins with accepting oneself, flaws and all. Ultimately, the song meaning of "What Love Is" resides in its relatable struggle to find lasting connection in a world that often prioritizes superficiality. Abel's repetition of "What love is" isn't just a question, it's an active, ongoing process of self-discovery and a hopeful, if slightly desperate, call for someone to meet him in his vulnerability. It's a sentiment that speaks directly to the heart of anyone who has ever felt alone in their search for something real.