About the song
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner is an iconic anthem from her fifth studio album, Private Dancer (1984). Released as the third single on May 1, 1984, by Capitol Records, the song was a pivotal moment in Turner’s career, propelling her into international stardom and redefining her artistic legacy. Penned and produced by Terry Britten, a longtime collaborator, with lyrical contributions from Graham Lyle, the track was initially considered for several other artists before finding its rightful place with Turner.
The essence of “What’s Love Got to Do with It” revolves around a woman’s skepticism towards romantic relationships, asserting that love is not the driving force behind her connection with a man. This narrative struck a chord with audiences worldwide, resonating with its blend of pop sensibilities and R&B soulfulness.
Upon its release, the song garnered widespread critical acclaim for Turner’s powerful vocal delivery and the meticulous production. It marked a true comeback for Turner, earning her multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards. Commercially, the song topped charts globally, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States for three consecutive weeks, breaking records as Turner became the oldest female solo artist to achieve a chart-topping single at the time.
The music video, directed by Mark Robinson, complemented the song’s narrative with visuals of Turner walking through city streets, juxtaposed with intimate performance scenes. It earned Turner an MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 1985, solidifying her presence as a visual as well as musical icon.
In addition to its immediate success, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” has endured as a timeless classic in Turner’s repertoire. It has been covered and sampled by numerous artists across genres, showcasing its enduring influence in popular culture. The song’s enduring legacy is further underscored by its inclusion in various compilation albums and its ranking at number 309 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2012, it was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its status as a seminal work in music history.
Overall, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” not only propelled Tina Turner to new heights of fame but also remains a testament to her unparalleled talent and enduring impact on the music industry. Its themes of empowerment and independence continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its place in the pantheon of iconic songs.
Video
Lyrics
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 that
Oh-oh-oh, 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?
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 some place, I got cause to be
There’s a name for it
There’s a phrase that fits
But whatever the reason, you do it for me
Oh-oh-oh, 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?
Who?
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 way
Oh-oh-oh, 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?
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?
ooh, got to do with it?
(What’s love? 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) ooh-ooh (got to do with it?) got to do with it?