What Child Is This?
Dave Brubeck Lyrics


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I was a hum-drum person
Leading a life apart
When love flew in through my window wide
And quickened my hum-drum heart
Love flew in through my window
I was so happy then
But after love had stayed a little while
Love flew out again

What is this thing called love?
This funny thing called love?
Just who can solve its mystery?
Why should it make a fool of me?
I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw my heart away
That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
What is this thing called love?

You gave me days of sunshine
You gave me nights of cheer
You made my life an enchanted dream
'Til somebody else came near
Somebody else came near you
I felt the winter's chill




And now I sit and wonder night and day
Why I love you still

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dave Brubeck and The Dave Brubeck Quartet's song "So This Is Love" is a poignant portrayal of how love can affect and change a person's life. The song begins with the singer describing himself as a "hum-drum person," leading a mundane and uneventful life, until love comes "flying in" through his window, quickening his "hum-drum heart." The singer is overjoyed and elated by the love that has entered his life, but just as suddenly as it came, it leaves, and he is left wondering what exactly this thing called love is.


The second verse of the song implies a sense of betrayal or heartbreak, as the source of the singer's joy and happiness, the person who took his heart, suddenly disappears from his life, leaving him confused and heartbroken. The lyrics express a feeling of vulnerability and powerlessness towards love, as the singer professes he cannot solve its mystery and doesn't understand why it has the power to make a fool of him. Despite this, he continues to love the person who broke his heart, as evidenced in the final verse where he wonders why he still loves them, even after their departure.


Ultimately, "So This Is Love" is a compelling and emotional ballad about the enigma of love and its power to affect us both positively and negatively, often causing heartbreak and confusion along with joy and elation.


Line by Line Meaning

I was a hum-drum person
I was unremarkable, living a mundane existence.


Leading a life apart
My life was solitary and disconnected from meaningful relationships.


When love flew in through my window wide
Suddenly, unexpectedly, and completely, I fell in love.


And quickened my hum-drum heart
My heart, once unremarkable, started to beat faster and more intensely because of this love.


Love flew in through my window
This love came to me easily and effortlessly.


I was so happy then
I was elated and overjoyed because of this love.


But after love had stayed a little while
Eventually, reality set in and the intensity of the love became more subdued.


Love flew out again
The love that once lifted me up had left, causing disappointment and heartbreak.


What is this thing called love?
Love is a concept that is difficult to pin down and understand.


This funny thing called love?
At times, it almost feels like a joke or a game, but it has true emotional power.


Just who can solve its mystery?
No one seems to have an answer to what love truly is and where it comes from.


Why should it make a fool of me?
Love, with its irrationality and unpredictability, sometimes causes me to act in embarrassing or foolish ways.


I saw you there one wonderful day
At one point, I clearly remember seeing you and being struck by something special.


You took my heart and threw my heart away
Unfortunately, you didn't return my affection and rejected my love.


That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
I turn to some higher power or authority for answers to the mysteries of love.


What is this thing called love?
Once again, I am left wondering what this elusive thing really is.


You gave me days of sunshine
For a time, you brightened up my life and made every day feel special.


You gave me nights of cheer
Even in the darkest or dullest times, you were able to bring me some sense of joy.


You made my life an enchanted dream
Your love was able to transform my life and bring magic to everyday experiences.


'Til somebody else came near
Unfortunately, someone else was able to catch your attention and steal your affection from me.


Somebody else came near you
Another person was able to enter the picture and win your heart.


I felt the winter's chill
With this loss and heartbreak, I felt a sense of coldness and emptiness.


And now I sit and wonder night and day
Even after all this time, I still can't stop thinking about you and what could've been.


Why I love you still
Despite everything, my love for you still exists and persists.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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