What Is This Going To Get Us

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship stuck in a frustrating holding pattern. The narrator repeatedly questions the purpose and direction of their current situation, asking, "What is this going to get us?" This isn't just about a single event; it's a broader interrogation of a lifestyle that feels stagnant and unfulfilling. The immediate emotional texture is one of weary impatience and a deep-seated desire for genuine progress. The central tension arises from the contrast between the narrator's yearning for a committed future and the present reality of their relationship. They're "hanging around 'til four" and saying goodnight at daybreak, suggesting a pattern of late nights and unclear boundaries that isn't leading to deeper connection. The repeated plea, "When do we start to live, dear?" underscores the feeling that their relationship is on pause, not truly beginning. The most striking aspect of the writing is the narrator's direct confrontation with the inadequacy of their current emotional sustenance. They declare, "I can't live on love I've so much of / And I can't keep livin' on hope." This is a powerful admission that even abundant affection and optimistic outlooks aren't enough when the relationship lacks tangible forward momentum or a clear destination. The repetition of "What is this going to get us?" acts as a relentless drumbeat, emphasizing the cyclical nature of their dissatisfaction. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they articulate a common fear: that time and emotional investment are being spent without yielding the desired future. The narrator's direct questions and blunt assessment of their situation tap into a universal feeling of wanting more than just existing. The writing effectively captures the ache of a relationship that feels like it should be progressing but remains stuck, leaving the narrator with "only an aching heart."