I Want to Know What Love Is: A Ballad of Enduring Love by Foreigner
In the realm of rock music, few bands have achieved the enduring popularity and critical acclaim of Foreigner. With their signature blend of hard rock anthems and melodic ballads, Foreigner has captivated audiences for decades. Among their extensive discography, one song stands out as a timeless masterpiece of love and longing: “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Released in 1984, “I Want to Know What Love Is” marked a departure from Foreigner’s heavier sound, embracing a softer, more introspective approach. The song’s gentle piano melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, propelling it to the top of the charts and cementing its status as a rock ballad for the ages.
Mick Jones, the band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, penned the lyrics with an earnestness that captures the universal desire to understand the true nature of love. The opening lines, “I want to know what love is, I want to see it, I want to feel it, I want to know it all,” set the stage for a journey of emotional exploration.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of love’s complexities, acknowledging its joys and sorrows, its strengths and vulnerabilities. Jones’s vocals, imbued with both tenderness and passion, convey the depth of longing and the yearning for a love that transcends the boundaries of time and circumstance.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” is not merely a love song; it’s an anthem for those seeking genuine connection and a testament to the power of love to transform and inspire. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to touch the hearts of listeners across generations and cultures.
As the song reaches its crescendo, the lyrics declare, “Now I know what love is, I’ve seen it, I’ve felt it, I know it all.” This declaration is not a definitive answer to the song’s central question but rather a reflection of the transformative power of love. Through the experience of love, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” remains a cherished classic, a beacon of hope and inspiration for those seeking love’s true meaning. Foreigner’s masterful blend of musicality and poignant lyrics has created an enduring ballad that continues to touch hearts and inspire souls.