About the song
Released in 1984 as a single from her album Private Dancer, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” marked a massive comeback for Tina Turner and redefined her as a solo artist. Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the song initially faced rejection from other artists before finding its perfect voice in Turner. It became a global smash hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100, and earned Turner multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. The song’s sophisticated blend of pop, R&B, and rock, combined with Turner’s raw, powerful vocals, created a timeless anthem of female independence and a cynical perspective on love.
The sound and style: “What’s Love Got to Do with It” is a smooth yet powerful pop-rock/R&B song with elements of new wave. It’s characterized by its cool, understated verses that build to a soaring, anthemic chorus, driven by Turner’s gritty and commanding vocals. The sound is sleek, sophisticated, and undeniably catchy, with a touch of cynicism and a strong sense of female empowerment.
Musical features:
- Tina Turner’s Iconic Vocals: Turner’s distinctive, powerful, and slightly raspy voice is the centerpiece. She delivers the lyrics with a blend of world-weariness and raw emotion, showcasing her incredible range and her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength.
- Smooth Production: The song features a polished 1980s production, with a clean and spacious sound that allows Turner’s vocals to shine.
- Synthesizer-Driven Arrangement: Synthesizers play a prominent role, creating a cool, almost detached atmosphere in the verses, contrasting with the more organic feel of the chorus.
- Driving Bassline: A steady and prominent bassline provides a solid foundation for the groove.
- Powerful Chorus: The chorus is anthemic and soaring, driven by Turner’s full-throated delivery and the song’s strong melodic hook.
- Guitar Solo (subtle): A restrained but effective guitar solo adds a touch of rock edge to the song.
It’s smooth, powerful, and emotionally complex, a defining anthem of female independence.
Lyrical themes and atmosphere:
“What’s love got to do, got to do with it? / Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?”
The lyrics present a cynical and pragmatic view of love, dismissing it as a purely physical transaction. The narrator asserts that love is merely a “second-hand emotion” and argues for a relationship based on desire rather than emotional attachment. However, the raw emotion in Turner’s delivery hints at a deeper vulnerability beneath the tough exterior. The atmosphere is one of cool detachment masking a potential for pain, a mix of defiance and a longing for connection without the risk of heartbreak.
Themes:
- Skepticism about Love: Questioning the value and necessity of romantic love.
- Female Independence: Asserting autonomy and emotional self-sufficiency.
- Physical Desire vs. Emotional Connection: Exploring the tension between lust and love.
- Vulnerability Masked by Detachment: The suggestion that emotional armor protects a fragile heart.
- Cynicism: A world-weary perspective on relationships.
Unlike many love songs, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” offers a more complex and often contradictory perspective on the subject.
Legacy and impact:
- Tina Turner’s Comeback Anthem: Revitalized Turner’s career and established her as a major solo artist.
- Grammy Award Winner: Won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, solidifying its critical acclaim.
- Global Smash Hit: Topped charts worldwide and remains one of Turner’s most recognizable songs.
- Defines Turner’s Image: Helped shape her iconic image as a strong, independent, and powerful woman.
- Enduring Message: Its themes of female empowerment and skepticism about love continue to resonate.
- Film Title: The song’s title was used for the 1993 biopic about Tina Turner’s life.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is more than just a hit song; it’s a cultural statement, a declaration of female independence, and a testament to Tina Turner’s enduring power and artistry.
Final thoughts: “What’s Love Got to Do with It” is a masterpiece of 1980s pop. Tina Turner’s vocal performance is simply iconic – raw, powerful, and full of both defiance and a hint of vulnerability. The song’s cool, synth-driven arrangement perfectly complements her world-weary delivery, creating a complex and compelling exploration of love and desire. It’s a song that’s both undeniably catchy and deeply thought-provoking, a testament to Turner’s ability to blend commercial appeal with artistic depth.
Video
Lyrics
“What’s Love Got To Do With It”
(from “What’s Love Got To Do With It” soundtrack)You must understand though the touch of your hand
Makes my pulse react
That it’s only the thrill of boy meeting girl
Opposites attract
It’s physical
Only logical
You must try to ignore that it means more than thatWhat’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a second-hand emotion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?It may seem to you that I’m acting confused
When you’re close to me
If I tend to look dazed I’ve read it someplace
I’ve got cause to be
There’s a name for it
There’s a phrase that fits
But whatever the reason you do it for meWhat’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a second-hand emotion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?I’ve been taking on a new direction
But I have to say
I’ve been thinking about my own protection
It scares me to feel this wayWhat’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a second-hand emotion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a sweet old-fashioned notion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a second-hand emotion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?What’s love?
Got to do it
Got to do it
What’s love?