What's the Meaning Behind Tina Turner's Iconic "What's Love Got to Do with It" Song?

The Meaning Behind Tina Turner's Iconic Song

Released in 1984, the song "What's Love Got to Do with It" rocketed Tina Turner to pop superstardom at the age of 44. Co-written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten, this classic track was a worldwide smash hit, earning Tina 3 Grammy Awards and paving the way for her hugely successful solo career after years with ex-husband Ike Turner.

But what exactly is this soulful song all about, and why did its message resonate so strongly? Let's explore the meaning behind the lyrics.

"What's Love Got to Do with It" Lyrics

The song opens with the bold question "What's love got to do, got to do with it?". Straight away this challenges the typical pop music notion of romance and relationships. Tina questions if love is even necessary or relevant when it comes to physical attraction and satisfaction.

As the lyrics continue, she insists it's just a "second hand emotion" that is "overrated". Instead, Tina sings about wanting to experience intimacy and pleasure purely on her own terms, without emotional components complicating things:

"Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?

I've seen the dark side too when the lights go out

Lust is where the fun is, if love is insane"

Empowering Message of Self-Determination

While bold at the time, "What's Love Got to Do with It" resonated with so many due to its fearless message of prioritizing one's needs and wants first in romance. After being controlled for years in her turbulent marriage to Ike Turner, Tina broke free and reclaimed her confidence and agency over her life.

The song reflects this empowering energy. She refuses to be dependent on abstract notions of "love" anymore, embracing instead her fierce independence and determination:

"It may seem to you that I'm acting confused

When you're close to me

If I tend to look dazed I read it someplace

I've got cause to be"

As she later states: "My love is here for you to take or leave". On her terms only.

Lasting Cultural Impact

Almost 40 years later, "What's Love Got to Do with It" remains one of the most defining songs of the 1980s pop era. It captures a cultural shift towards more outspoken feminist attitudes and female artists gaining creative control over their sexuality and public image.

Beyond Tina Turner's incredible, soul-baring performance, the lyrical message left a mark. For those longing to move past pain and reclaim their worth, hearing Tina proudly declare self-sufficiency from love felt revolutionary. It gave permission to prioritize physical desires without needing emotional validation from partners.

Pop artists today like Lizzo continue carrying this torch of body positivity and singing boldly about intimacy on their own terms. But it was Tina Turner who first brought these themes mainstream with "What's Love Got to Do with It", now cemented as a classic pop-cultural call to fearlessly get what you want.

FAQs

Who wrote the song "What's Love Got to Do with It"?

The song was written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten. They composed it specifically to revive Tina Turner's solo career after her split from Ike Turner.

Why was the song so groundbreaking at the time?

In 1984, its bold lyrics challenging the necessity of love in romance were rare in pop music. The song's fearless embrace of a woman prioritizing her independence and sexual desires first resonated powerfully.

What awards did the song win?

"What's Love Got to Do with It" earned Tina Turner 3 Grammy Awards - Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Did Tina Turner ever record an album called "What's Love Got to Do with It"?

No, but the title track's immense success prompted her label to re-title her album "Private Dancer" as "What's Love Got to Do with It" for the North American market to capitalize on the song's popularity.