What Is This Thing Called Love
The Dave Brubeck Octet 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 The Dave Brubeck Octet's song "What Is This Thing Called Love" depict a personal experience of the singer. At the beginning, the singer describes themselves as a mundane and uninteresting person leading a separate life. However, love unexpectedly enters their life, as if through an open window, and brings excitement and vitality to their previously dull existence. The person becomes ecstatic and content with love's presence. Yet, just as quickly as it entered, love departs, leaving the singer feeling empty and longing for its return.


The central theme of the song revolves around the enigmatic nature of love. The singer wonders about the nature of love and questions why it has the power to turn one into a fool. They reflect on their own experience of falling in love and being subsequently heartbroken. Despite the pain caused, the singer still holds on to their love for the person who left them, illustrating the enduring and perplexing impact of love.


Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing and introspection regarding the unpredictable nature of love and its ability to both uplift and devastate. It is a reflection on the complexities and emotional rollercoaster that love often brings.


Line by Line Meaning

I was a hum-drum person
I used to be a boring, unremarkable individual


Leading a life apart
Living a secluded and isolated existence


When love flew in through my window wide
Suddenly, love entered my life unexpectedly


And quickened my hum-drum heart
And brought excitement and passion to my previously mundane and unenthusiastic heart


Love flew in through my window
Love entered my life abruptly and surprisingly


I was so happy then
I experienced immense joy and contentment during that time


But after love had stayed a little while
However, after love stayed with me for a short period of time


Love flew out again
Love departed from my life once more


What is this thing called love?
I am perplexed and curious about the nature of love


This funny thing called love?
This peculiar and unpredictable entity known as love


Just who can solve its mystery?
Who possesses the ability to unravel the enigma of love?


Why should it make a fool of me?
Why does love have the power to make me appear foolish and vulnerable?


I saw you there one wonderful day
I caught sight of you on a truly marvelous day


You took my heart and threw my heart away
You captured my heart only to discard it later


That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
That is why I plead to the Lord in the heavens above


What is this thing called love?
Please, tell me the true nature and essence of love


You gave me days of sunshine
You blessed me with moments of happiness and positivity


You gave me nights of cheer
You provided me with joyful and exuberant evenings


You made my life an enchanted dream
You transformed my life into a magical and fantastical dream


'Til somebody else came near
Until another person entered the picture and got closer to you


Somebody else came near you
Another individual approached and connected with you emotionally


I felt the winter's chill
I started experiencing a cold and desolate feeling


And now I sit and wonder night and day
And now I ponder and contemplate incessantly


Why I love you still
Why I still have feelings of love towards you




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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