Meaning of "You Don't Know What Love Is" by Billie Holiday

The song delves into the depths of love, conveying the idea that love cannot be fully comprehended until one has experienced the pain and sorrow that often comes with it. The lyrics suggest that love is not just about happiness and bliss, but also includes heartache and sacrifice. By stating that one doesn't know what love is until they've learned the meaning of the blues, the song implies that true understanding of love comes from experiencing the lows rather than just the highs. The mention of "flipping your heart" and losing it all highlights the vulnerability and risks involved in love. Additionally, the lyrics touch on the bitter aftertaste of love, stating that lips that have tasted tears no longer desire the sweetness of kisses. This implies that heartbreak can change one's perspective of love and taint its once-pleasurable aspects. The repetition of the lines "You don't know how hearts burn for love that cannot live yet never dies" emphasizes the longing and enduring nature of love, even when it may seem impossible or unattainable. The final lines suggest that true understanding of love is accompanied by sleepless nights and a constant ache, highlighting the enduring power of love even in the face of adversity.

Overall, the lyrics of "You Don't Know What Love Is" express the idea that love encompasses both joy and pain, and that true understanding of love can only be achieved through experiencing heartbreak and loss.