I Want to Know What Love Is by Mariah Carey Lyrics Meaning – The Search for Authentic Affection
Lyrics
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m older
In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I’m gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
I’ve got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me
In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
I can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me, show me
(I wanna know what) I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me (and I feeling so much love)
AI want to feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is
Let’s talk about love
I want you to show me
Mariah Carey’s reinterpretation of the classic ballad ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ takes listeners through a powerful emotional journey, rich with a longing for understanding and experience. Her version of the song, which was originally performed by the British-American rock band Foreigner, retains the original’s sweeping melody while infusing it with her unique vocal prowess and emotional depth.
The song unfolds as an anthem for those who have faced trials and tribulations, yet remain determined to uncover the essence of love. Carey’s interpretation goes beyond mere lyrics and melody; it opens a vulnerable window into the soul’s quest for one of life’s most enigmatic feelings. In this article, we delve into the heart of Carey’s rendition, exploring the spoken and unspoken insights woven into every line.
Defining Love Through the Eyes of a Diva
It is no secret that Mariah Carey has endured her share of heartache, both in her personal life and in the spotlight of public scrutiny. ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ serves as both a personal reflection and an outcry for clarity. Through her interpretation, Carey sheds light on the complexities of love, grappling with its pains and the vulnerable hope of finding its true meaning.
Her emotive vocal delivery, renowned for its ability to convey the deepest of emotions, lends gravitas to the act of questioning love itself. Carey’s quest isn’t just for romantic love, but for a universal understanding that resonates with all who have felt confused or lost in the face of affection.
The Anthemic Chorus That Hits Home
The repeating chorus in the song, where Mariah demands to ‘know what love is’ and implores to be shown its feeling, works as an incantation. Each iteration echoes with increased urgency, a crescendo of need that builds throughout the track.
This plea for enlightenment translates into a relatable sentiment for listeners. As Carey’s voice scales octaves, it’s as if she’s lifting the collective voice of humanity’s pursuit, a plea for an answer which, perhaps, can only be felt and seldom put into words.
A Journey Through Personal Trials and Triumphs
Mariah Carey has become synonymous with resilience, an artist who has shaped her narrative around survival against the odds. ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ maps onto Carey’s journey, seen as a roadmap for the weary yet hopeful heart seeking solace beyond pain.
The lyrics ‘I’ve got nowhere left to hide, It looks like love has finally found me’ arc towards a narrative of surrender, where the act of seeking love becomes a transformative and redemptive process.
The Hidden Meaning Behind The Search for Love
It would be dismissive to perceive ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ solely as another love song in Mariah’s catalog. In it lies a deeper meditation on the nature of love as transformative power that can lead to personal growth and healing.
Carey’s version of the song, infused with gospel elements and backing choir, elevates the message to spiritual proportions, where love transcends the earthly and hints at the divine. In her voice is the recognition that true love, once found, can cast light on the darkest corners of life.
Memorable Lines That Echo in Hearts and Charts
Mariah Carey has a knack for delivering lines that resonate deeply with fans and critics alike. In ‘I Want to Know What Love Is,’ she utilizes her vocal power to imprint key phrases into the listener’s memory, not just with melodic beauty, but with emotional resonance.
‘In my life there’s been heartache and pain, I don’t know if I can face it again’ becomes a cathartic revelation, a mirror to our doubts and a testament to the human spirit’s undying quest for love and understanding, despite past hurts.
