What Are You Gonna Do

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with a partner's impending departure, a decision that seems to stem from a desire for self-discovery or a need to break away from familial ties. The narrator observes the partner's indecision, noting their return "crying" when alone, suggesting a deep-seated conflict. The initial move to be together, presented as "not too hard to do," now faces "second thoughts," forcing a stark choice. The central tension lies in the narrator's plea for the partner to choose them over a perceived obligation or connection to "your mother." The repeated question, "What are you gonna do?" underscores the narrator's desperation and the gravity of the situation. It's a plea to prioritize the present relationship, to "forget about your mother and think about you," implying that the partner's current path is one of self-abandonment, "letting it take you away from me." The most striking craft element is the direct, almost confrontational questioning coupled with the specific, yet ambiguous, instruction to "forget about your mother." This isn't a gentle request; it's an ultimatum framed as a desperate appeal. The lyrics suggest the partner initially sought refuge or a new beginning, but now appears to be retreating, leaving the narrator to question the foundation of their shared life and the partner's true desires. This song hits hard because it captures the raw vulnerability of facing abandonment when you thought you were the secure base. The narrator's insistence on the partner's internal conflict and the stark choice presented creates a palpable sense of dread. It’s the feeling of watching someone you care about unravel, and realizing their choices are actively dismantling the connection you believed was solid.