What Can I Do

Song Meaning

The narrator observes someone actively sabotaging their own progress, a pattern of self-obstruction that’s both frustrating and bewildering. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who "crawl[s] through the day" and "drain[s] your fountain," suggesting a deliberate, albeit passive, act of self-harm. This isn't just a bad mood; it's a consistent, visible struggle that the narrator witnesses firsthand, creating a sense of helpless observation. The core tension lies in the narrator's desire to help versus the other person's apparent unwillingness or inability to accept assistance. Repeatedly, the narrator asks, "But what can I do?" after detailing their attempts to intervene: opening doors, clearing paths, and holding up mirrors. This refrain underscores a profound sense of powerlessness, highlighting the chasm between the narrator's efforts and the other person's internal barriers. The lyrics suggest the other person is trapped by their own choices or perhaps a predetermined fate, making external aid feel futile. The most striking craft element is the juxtaposition of the narrator's active attempts to help with the other person's passive resistance. Phrases like "I try to open the door" are met with the stark reality of "what can I do?" The imagery of "building a maze" and "walk[ing] in a daze" powerfully conveys the other person's self-imposed confusion and entrapment. This creates a poignant contrast between the narrator's clear sight and the other's clouded perception. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw depiction of empathetic frustration. The narrator's repeated questions aren't just rhetorical; they're a genuine plea born from seeing someone actively "run from the mountain" they themselves have built. The lyrics resonate because they capture that painful moment when love or concern meets an impenetrable wall of self-sabotage, leaving the helper with nothing but the question: "What can I do?"