What Can I Do?

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with an enduring, unrequited love that haunts their present. Despite the passage of time, the memory of a past relationship, or perhaps a missed opportunity, remains vivid, manifesting in dreams and a persistent ache. There's a profound sense of helplessness, encapsulated by the repeated, desperate question, "What can I do?" The central tension lies in the conflict between the narrator's unwavering devotion and the apparent reality of their separation. They acknowledge the "truth is out at last" and that "it's been a while since we been alone," suggesting a definitive end or distance. Yet, the narrator clings to the belief that "our love was meant to last," creating a painful dissonance between what is and what they desperately wish were true. The lyrics effectively use repetition to underscore the narrator's emotional state. The insistent refrain of "What can I do?" coupled with "It's tearin' me apart" hammers home the feeling of being trapped. The imagery of seeing "the life we should have had" and dreams of the other person "by my side" paints a picture of a love that exists powerfully in the mind but is absent in reality. This song resonates because it captures the raw, disorienting experience of loving someone who is no longer accessible. The narrator's vulnerability in admitting they "held on to a lie" to sustain this feeling highlights the depth of their commitment, even when it leads to internal torment. The persistent questioning leaves the listener with the weight of this unresolved, heartbreaking situation.