About the Song
The Carpenters, the iconic brother-sister duo who defined the sound of soft rock in the 1970s, were masters of crafting melodies that burrowed their way into your heart and lyrics that resonated with a poignant blend of hope and melancholy. While they are often remembered for their sunny, chart-topping hits like “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun,” their repertoire also delves into the shadows of love and loss, exploring the complexities of human emotion with a rare sensitivity. “What’s The Use,” a hidden gem nestled within their 1976 album A Kind of Hush, exemplifies this depth, offering a poignant reflection on the futility of love when it’s met with indifference.
Written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, the song unfolds with a gentle, almost hesitant piano intro, immediately setting a mood of introspection. Karen Carpenter’s velvety vocals, imbued with a characteristic blend of vulnerability and strength, take center stage as she grapples with the agonizing realization that her love is unrequited. “What’s the use in hanging on,” she asks, her voice laden with a quiet desperation, “When all that’s left is gone?”
The song’s beauty lies not only in its exquisite arrangement, which features lush strings and subtle harmonies, but also in its unflinching honesty. It captures the raw, universal experience of loving someone who doesn’t love you back, the feeling of pouring your heart into a relationship that offers no return. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of this emotional struggle: “Like a flower that’s fading, needing rain and needing sun / I’m reaching for you, darling, but you’re just not the one.”
“What’s The Use” is a testament to The Carpenters’ ability to transcend the saccharine and explore the darker nuances of human experience. It’s a song that lingers long after the final notes fade, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of love, loss, and the courage to let go. In this introduction, we will delve into the song’s musical and lyrical intricacies, exploring its themes, its impact, and its enduring relevance in the tapestry of popular music.
Barbara Desetto