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

The History and Meaning Behind "What's Love Got to Do with It"

The classic song "What's Love Got to Do with It" was recorded by Tina Turner and released as a single in 1984. It was the lead single from her fifth solo album, Private Dancer. The song became Turner's biggest hit, spending three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But what is the history and meaning behind this iconic tune?

"What's Love Got to Do with It" - The Creation

The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle and produced by John Carter. Britten and Lyle did not have Turner specifically in mind when they wrote the song. In fact, they originally offered it to Cliff Richard, but he turned it down. After that, the songwriters pitched it to Phyllis Hyman, who wanted to record it. However, when Turner's manager Roger Davies heard the demo, he felt it would be perfect for Turner and insisted she record it instead.

Turner was not initially very enthusiastic about the song. She felt it was too poppy and did not want it to be the first single from her album. However, Davies persuaded her to record it, and when she heard the full production with the rhythm section, Turner changed her mind. Her powerful vocals transformed the song into the huge hit it became.

Interpreting the Lyrics

On the surface, "What's Love Got to Do with It" is a song about a woman who is pragmatic about love and resistant to let emotions guide her decisions. The chorus contains the key question - "What's love got to do, got to do with it?" - indicating the singer does not believe love should factor into her actions.

In the verses, she seems to mock the notion of being "lost in love" and declares she's never going to lose control again due to infatuation. The woman sings about keeping a clear head and considering practical matters rather than romantic feelings when making relationship choices.

However, there are different interpretations of the lyrics. Some view the song as being sung from the perspective of a woman who has been hurt before and is now determined to protect herself by denying she needs love. Others see it as a feminist anthem about a strong woman stating she does not need a man to be happy and secure.

Tina Turner's Life Connections

For Tina Turner, the lyrics to "What's Love Got to Do with It" likely resonated with her own personal experiences. In the 1960s and 70s, she endured years of abuse from her husband and musical partner Ike Turner. When she finally left him in 1976, she had to start over professionally and rebuild her confidence as a solo artist.

The song's themes of independence, self-reliance and refusal to be controlled by emotions seem to parallel Turner's own mindset at that point in her life. Having emerged from years in a toxic relationship, she felt ready to take charge of her destiny as a single woman. "What's Love Got to Do with It" essentially became her empowerment anthem.

Impact and Legacy

"What's Love Got to Do with It" reached #1 on the charts and went on to earn Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It helped relaunch Tina Turner's career and paved the way for other big hits like "Better Be Good to Me," "Private Dancer," and "We Don't Need Another Hero."

The song and accompanying MTV video showcased a sexy, confdent image for Turner that contrasted with her former association with Ike. Over the decades, "What's Love Got to Do with It" has remained one of Turner's signature songs and her biggest solo hit.

In the annals of pop history, "What's Love Got to Do with It" is considered one of the great female empowerment anthems. The bold lyrical statement and Turner's formidable performance changed perceptions about her and opened up new possibilities for women in music. Nearly 40 years later, the song's message of self-determination still resonates strongly.

Though Turner famously questioned the role of love in her life, the song demonstrated that she didn't need reliance on a man to fulfll her ambitions. "What's Love Got to Do with It" captures a moment of defance and breaking free that inspired many to follow the beat of their own drum, regardless of what love has to do with it.

FAQs

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

The song was written by the British songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle. They wrote it for Cliff Richard originally but offered it to Tina Turner after he passed.

What album is "What's Love Got to Do with It" from?

The song appears on Tina Turner's fifth solo album, Private Dancer, released in 1984. It was the first single from the album.

Did "What's Love Got to Do with It" win any awards?

Yes, it won the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1985.

What genre of music is "What's Love Got to Do with It"?

It's considered a pop, R&B, and rock song. It incorporates elements of those genres in both the music and Turner's vocal performance.

Who produced the song?

British record producer John Carter produced Turner's version of the song.