What Are We Going to Do?

Song Meaning

The lyrics immediately establish a tense, whispered secret. The repeated question, "What are we going to do if the word gets out?" paints a picture of a clandestine romance, one that carries significant risk. The specific fear of a parent discovering their love, "if your dad finds out we're in love," grounds the anxiety in a tangible threat, suggesting societal or familial disapproval is the primary obstacle. The central tension lies between external pressure and internal conviction. While others advise caution, "They've been saying wait until we're ready," the couple feels an undeniable readiness. This defiance fuels their resolve, transforming the initial panic into a determined stance. The shift from questioning to declaring their love is the core emotional arc. The most striking craft element is the transformation of the opening question. Initially posed out of fear, the question "What are we going to do?" is recontextualized in the latter half. It evolves from a plea for solutions to a rhetorical setup for their defiant answer: "We going to tell them we're in love." This linguistic pivot powerfully illustrates their growing courage and commitment. This lyrical strategy makes the song hit so hard because it mirrors the universal experience of facing down opposition for love. The simple, direct language and the clear progression from anxiety to bold declaration resonate deeply. The repeated affirmation, "Yeah, that's what we going to do, we going to tell them we're in love," acts as a powerful mantra, solidifying their shared decision against the odds.