Meaning of "What Do They Know" by Tanya Tucker

The lyrics of "What Do They Know" delve into the raw emotions of grief and heartbreak, conveying the singer's sense of disbelief that others could offer cliched reassurances about finding love again or the supposed benefits of having loved and lost. The singer's pain is portrayed as so profound that it feels like a physical wound, with the imagery of someone cutting their life in two with a knife. The questioning of the validity of others' advice and empathy highlights the isolating nature of grief, where the personal experience of loss feels uniquely insurmountable. The lyrics suggest a deep yearning for validation of their suffering, indicating a longing for empathy that remains unfulfilled due to the inherent limitations of others' understanding. Ultimately, "What Do They Know" captures the complex emotional landscape of grief, reflecting the singer's struggle to reconcile their own pain with the well-meaning but insufficient attempts at comfort from those around them.