Story Behind The Song

The song is not about a specific individual. It's entirely fictional, but draws on observations of life and situations we all know happen, but it's often unpleasant to think about. I feel that writing in the first person gives the song a very emotional quality. This song won the pop category and overall winner of the 2011 UK songwriting contest. Contest judge, Stuart Epps, described the song as "unusual, beautiful, sentimental and with poignant lyrics".

Song Description

Written in the first person, the singer tells of her dysfunctional family, further difficult experiences since leaving home. The chorus asks rhetorical questions (eg 'Is anyone listening?') followed by a cry to be shown love. There are hints of domestic violence, lying, being taken advantage of sexually, poverty, hunger and homelessness.

Lyrics

I had a weekend father
He had two strong arms
I just wanted them to hold me
But all they ever did was do me harm
I had a teasing brother -
Ran away to escape the pain
And when they took away my mother
I knew I couldn't see her again.

Is anyone listening? Can anyone tell me?
Can anyone help me?
Does anybody know what love is?
Is anyone listening? Can anyone show me?
Can anyone heal me?
I just want to know what love is
What love is, what love is

I found a feel-good lover
Best liar ever born
He took my treasure
Gave me everything I did not want.
I've known crippling hunger
I've prayed, I've cried
No hope, no shelter
It's like I got a black hole inside.

Is anyone listening? Can anyone tell me?
Can anyone help me?
Does anybody know what love is?
Is anyone listening? Can anyone show me?
Can anyone heal me?
I just want to know what love is
What love is, what love is

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
Roy Elkins	Founder POP	7/18/2012