Where Is The Love
Shirley Bassey Lyrics


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I don't know what love is
If I can't have you here
I don't know what love is
I think that it's just fear

I don't know the tempo
Of my heart's concerto
It all seems like a dream
It's not, I know
There's something real out there for me

I swear I've seen an angel
A paradise in blue
Every color I choose
But I don't know what love is
But I think it might be you

If I had the courage
I'd know just what to do
Sometimes I have to crawl
And every day I fall
Trying just to stand by you

I swear I've seen an angel
A paradise in blue
Every color I choose




But I don't know what love is
But I think it might be you

Overall Meaning

Shirley Bassey's song "Where Is The Love" expresses her confusion and uncertainty towards love. She starts off by admitting that she does not understand what love truly is because it seems intangible without the presence of the person she loves. She believes that her feelings for the person are motivated by fear of losing them, rather than genuine love. The tempo of her heart's concerto is unknown to her, which further emphasizes her confusion and lack of understanding.


Despite this confusion, the lyrics also express hopefulness towards finding true love. Bassey believes that there is something real out there for her, and she has seen glimpses of it through an "angel" or "paradise in blue" that she believes might be the person she loves. However, she admits that she is too afraid to take action and approach this person, causing her to "crawl" towards them and "fall" every day when trying to maintain a connection with them.


The song ultimately portrays the complexity of love and the fear that comes with it. Bassey is unsure of her feelings, but at the same time, she is hopeful that she will find true love. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of courage in pursuing love, which can lead to both success and failure.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't know what love is
I am unsure of what love truly means.


If I can't have you here
I cannot define love without your presence in my life.


I think that it's just fear
My lack of understanding is because of my fear of losing you.


I don't know the tempo
The rhythm of my heart is unknown to me at this moment.


Of my heart's concerto
My heart's music is an unknown melody to me right now.


It all seems like a dream
Everything feels surreal and uncertain to me at this time.


It's not, I know
Despite my uncertainty, I have faith that there is something real and tangible out there for me.


There's something real out there for me
I believe that there is a genuine love waiting for me somewhere.


I swear I've seen an angel
I am convinced that I have met someone special.


A paradise in blue
This person has brought me joy and happiness.


Every color I choose
This person brings color and vibrancy to my life.


But I don't know what love is
Despite my feelings, I am still unsure of what love truly means.


But I think it might be you
I believe that this special person might be the love I have been searching for.


If I had the courage
I know that if I were brave enough,


I'd know just what to do
I would be able to understand and act on my feelings.


Sometimes I have to crawl
At times, I must face difficulties and challenges.


And every day I fall
I make mistakes and stumble on my journey.


Trying just to stand by you
Despite my struggles, I am committed to being there for this special person.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lukas Nelson, Stefani Germanotta

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

David DeLeon

I love her interpretation of the song.

Chalky Choo Choo

Exquisite. Gorgeous. Perfect.

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