Meaning of "What Is It" by Cassandra Wilson

The lyrics of "What Is It" delve into the complex and often murky nature of emotions in a relationship. The speaker is torn between her deep feelings for her partner and a sense of confusion regarding the nature of those feelings. She contemplates the possibility that what she thought was love may be something else entirely, as she questions if her partner truly values and cherishes her as she does him. The mention of "simple arithmetic" hints at a desire for straightforward answers and clarity in a situation that is anything but simple. The speaker's struggle to trust her partner's words and her own intuition highlights the vulnerability and pain that can come with uncertainty and emotional turmoil in relationships. Overall, the lyrics capture the raw emotions of love, betrayal, and self-realization in the face of a challenging situation.