What is this thing called love?
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg 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

These lyrics are from the classic jazz standard "What Is This Thing Called Love?" by Cole Porter, as performed by Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. The first verse describes a mundane existence that is changed by the sudden appearance of love, personified as a bird that flew in through the window and "quickened" the singer's heart. However, love eventually flew out again, leaving the singer questioning the very nature of this "funny thing called love."


The second verse continues this theme of confusion and heartache. The singer recalls how the person they loved once brought them happiness and "enchanted" their life, but now they feel the "winter's chill" because someone else has come between them. Despite this pain, the singer is still unable to comprehend why they love this person and feels like a fool for doing so. The chorus, which is repeated twice, asks the question that echoes throughout the whole song: "What is this thing called love?"


Line by Line Meaning

I was a hum-drum person
I was leading a life filled with monotony and boredom


Leading a life apart
I was leading a life that was disconnected from the experience of love


When love flew in through my window wide
My life was touched by love suddenly and unexpectedly


And quickened my hum-drum heart
Love caused my heart that was once filled with boredom to be lively and full of passion


Love flew in through my window
Love was an event in my life that took place quickly and without warning


I was so happy then
At that moment, my happiness knew no bounds


But after love had stayed a little while
However, love didn't stay for long and the happiness it brought was fleeting


Love flew out again
Love disappeared from my life just as quickly as it had appeared


What is this thing called love?
I ponder the nature of love


This funny thing called love?
Love feels unpredictable and strange to me


Just who can solve its mystery?
I question if anyone truly understands the nature of love


Why should it make a fool of me?
I question why my experiences with love have led me to feel foolish


I saw you there one wonderful day
I recall the day I first saw you and felt intense love for you


You took my heart and threw my heart away
However, you left me and my broken heart behind


That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
I turn to a higher power seeking answers about this experience


What is this thing called love?
I still don't quite understand the nature of love


You gave me days of sunshine
You brought joy and light into my life


You gave me nights of cheer
You made me feel happy and carefree


You made my life an enchanted dream
My time with you was magical and full of wonder


'Til somebody else came near
However, another person entered the scene and changed everything


Somebody else came near you
Another person became part of our story


I felt the winter's chill
I felt the cold and harsh reality of loss and heartbreak


And now I sit and wonder night and day
Now I am left with endless questions and uncertainty


Why I love you still
Despite everything, my love for you remains unchanged




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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