Last week, Tina Turner sadly passed away. Tina Turner was an extremely talented singer and dancer.

Although I’ve written about Tina Tuner before in my posts “Proud Mary” and “The Best,” I’ve never written about my favorite Tina Turner song—”What’s Love Got to Do with It?”

Lyrics:

You must understand though the touch of your hand
Makes my pulse react
That it’s only the thrill of boy meetin’ girl
Opposites attract
It’s physical
Only logical
You must try to ignore that it means more than that
Oh oh
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a second hand emotion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?
It may seem to you that I’m acting confused
When you’re close to me
If I tend to look dazed I’ve read it someplace
I’ve got cause to be
There’s a name for it
There’s a phrase that fits
But whatever the reason you do it for me
Ooo
I’ve been takin’ on a new direction
But I have to say
I’ve been thinkin’ about my own protection
It scares me to feel this way
Ho oh
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a second hand emotion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a sweet old fashioned notion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?
Ooo got to do with it
Huh, got to do with it
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?

I remember hearing this 1984 song A LOT on the radio when I was growing up. I was always moved by the power in Tina Turner’s voice—especially in the chorus. It is such a moving song!

Another reason it’s my favorite Tina Turner song is because it reminds me of one of my childhood pets.

One of the dogs I grew up with would start howling every time this song was on and Tina Turner would hit high notes. 🤣

I learned some interesting things about this song from the BBC article “Tina Turner: 10 simply the best songs and the stories behind them.” According to the article, when Tina was first presented with the opportunity to sing it, she “thought it was too light and poppy.” However, because she was allowed to sing it the way she wanted to—”forcefully, with gravity and raw emotion,” she wanted to sing the song.

Given how talented Tina Turner was, I was surprised to learn that “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” was her only single to reach number one on the charts in the United States. She was 44 years old at the time and broke the record for the oldest woman with a single at the number one spot on the US charts.

I also enjoyed learning that because this song was such a success, at the 27th Annual GRAMMY Awards, she received the Record of the Year award.

What do you think of the song?

What is your favorite song by Tina Turner?

Every time we hear that someone has left this world, it is immensely important to remember how precious life is.

May you remember to enjoy every moment of your life. 💙

Wishing you well! 💛