Everybody wants something, just a little more
We’re making a living, and what we’re living for
A rich man or a poor man, a pawn or a king
You can live on the street, you can rule the whole world
But you don’t mean one damn thing
What do you got if you ain’t got love?
Whatever you got, it just ain’t enough
You’re walking the road, but you’re going nowhere
You’re trying to find your way home, but there’s no one there
Who do you hold in the dark of night?
You wanna give up, but it’s worth the fight
You have all the things that you’ve been dreaming of
If you ain’t got someone, you’re afraid to lose
Everybody needs just one, someone
To tell them the truth
Maybe I’m a dreamer, but I still believe
I believe in hope, I believe the change can get us off our knees
What do you got if you ain’t got love?
Whatever you got, it just ain’t enough
You’re walking the road, but you’re going nowhere
You’re trying to find your way home, but there’s no one there
Who do you hold in the dark of night?
You wanna give up, but it’s worth the fight
You have all the things that you’ve been dreaming of
If you ain’t got love, it’s all just keeping score
If you ain’t got love, what the hell we doing it for
I don’t wanna have to talk about it
How many songs you gotta sing about it?
How long you gonna live without it?
Why does someone somewhere have to doubt it?
Someday you’ll figure it out
What do you got if you ain’t got love?
Whatever you got, it just ain’t enough
You’re walking the road, but you’re going nowhere
You’re trying to find your way home, but there’s no one there
Who do you hold in the dark of night?
You wanna give up, but it’s worth the fight
You have all the things that you’ve been dreaming of
What do you got if you ain’t got love?
Whatever you got, it just ain’t enough
You’re walking the road, but you’re going nowhere
You’re trying to find your way home, but there’s no one there
Who do you hold in the dark of night?
You wanna give up, but it’s worth the fight
You have all the things that you’ve been dreaming of
If you ain’t got love, it’s all just keeping score
If you ain’t got love, what the hell we doing it for
The Power of Love Over Material Success
Bon Jovi’s “What Do You Got?” dives straight into the universal quest for meaning, highlighting the emptiness of material pursuits without love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life’s journey, from the ambitions of rich and poor alike to the stark realization that possessions and achievements fall short if one is missing genuine connection. The repeated refrain, “What do you got if you ain’t got love?”, serves as a poignant reminder that love is the fundamental element that gives life purpose.
Finding Hope in Togetherness
Throughout the song, there’s a sense of vulnerability—searching for someone to hold during the darkest moments and fighting through despair because love makes the struggle worthwhile. Bon Jovi emphasizes that having someone to cherish and trust is far more valuable than any dream fulfilled in isolation. The song ultimately delivers a message of hope, urging listeners to believe in love’s transformative power and the strength it provides to carry on.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Desmond Child
Release Year: 2010
Label: Island Records