Introduction
Pat Benatar’s “Love Is A Battlefield” is a classic 80s song that continues to captivate audiences today. The tune is known for its catchy beat, strong vocals, and empowering message. For many, it’s the epitome of what an 80s hit should sound like. Benatar’s electrifying performance brought to life the angst of romance. “Love Is A Battlefield” has been covered and sampled by countless artists, cementing its place in music history.
Background
“Love Is A Battlefield” was released in 1983 as the lead single from Pat Benatar’s album “Live from Earth.” The song was and still is, one of her most popular songs, reaching the number five spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieving gold certification. The music video for the song is iconic, with Benatar showcasing her acting skills in the production. The video tells the story of a teenage girl who leaves her home to pursue a career in dancing. As she navigates life in the big city, she falls in love with a boy who turns out to be a pimp. In the end, she leaves him and joins a group of dancing girls who help her take down the pimp and reclaim her freedom.
The Meaning Behind The Song
At its core, “Love Is A Battlefield” is a song about relationships and the struggles that come along with them. It speaks to the difficulties of finding love, maintaining it, and dealing with the pain when love goes wrong. The song’s lyrics offer a metaphor for love as a war zone, a battleground where people fight for what they want. They also touch on themes related to toxic relationships, codependency, and personal empowerment. “Love Is A Battlefield” challenges the notion that people must live in misery to keep a relationship going.
The Lyrics
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the entire song. “We are young, heartache to heartache we stand. No promises, no demands. Love is a battlefield.” The words mirror the central idea of the song, that love is a struggle, and it’s not always easy to navigate. Benatar’s lyrics speak to the idea that people should not have to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of a relationship.
The chorus of the song is catchy and features Benatar’s powerhouse voice. “We are strong, no one can tell us we’re wrong. Searching our hearts for so long, both of us knowing love is a battlefield.” These lyrics are empowering, a rallying cry for people to stand up for themselves and their needs. They speak to the idea that couples must work together to maintain a relationship, but the individuals in that relationship must remain true to themselves, too.
The Video
The music video for “Love Is A Battlefield” is legendary. Along with being one of the first videos to feature a narrative, it’s also a powerful statement on feminism. The video follows the story of a young girl who runs away from home to pursue a career in dancing. She falls in love with a man who turns out to be a pimp. The girl is faced with a decision – should she stay with the man she loves, or should she leave and fight against him? She ultimately decides to leave and join a group of dancing girls who help her take down the pimp. The video offers a powerful message about female empowerment and standing up for oneself.
The Legacy
“Love Is A Battlefield” continues to be a beloved song across generations. It’s been covered by countless artists, including Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks. In 2014, Love Is A Battlefield was inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place in music history.
Conclusion
“Love Is A Battlefield” is a classic 80s tune that has stood the test of time. The song’s message speaks to the struggles of romance and the importance of personal empowerment in relationships. Pat Benatar’s electrifying performance, combined with the powerful music video, contributed to the song’s popularity. Its impact in the music industry has continued to this day, cementing it as an iconic piece of music history. “Love Is A Battlefield” will continue to inspire and empower people for years to come.
