Song Meaning

Jad Fair's "What Can We Do" distills existential dread into a raw, almost childlike simplicity. The figure of the "Amazing Collosal Man," a clear nod to the campy sci-fi of the 1950s, isn't just a monster; he's a metaphor for any overwhelming force that threatens to obliterate the status quo. Fair's genius lies in stripping away any pretense of intellectualism, leaving us with the primal scream of a community facing inevitable destruction. The lyrics analysis reveals a vulnerability rarely found in typical monster-movie fare. It's less about the spectacle of the Colossal Man himself, and more about the paralyzing fear he inspires. The repetition of "What are we gonna do?" underscores the helplessness felt when confronted with problems too big to solve. The lyrics suggest a deeper societal critique. The unprepared city isn't just a physical location; it represents the psychological and emotional unpreparedness of humanity when facing overwhelming challenges. The earthquake-like steps and deafening sound aren't just sensory details; they symbolize the disruptive force of change, something that shakes the foundations of our lives and leaves us disoriented. It's a primal scream aimed at the void, a question posed without any expectation of an answer. Ultimately, the song meaning circles back to the feeling of powerlessness. The listener is left grappling with the question posed in the song's title. "What Can We Do" isn't just a question; it's an accusation, a challenge, and a desperate plea all rolled into one. In the face of the overwhelming, whether it be a giant monster or an intractable societal problem, Fair captures the human condition in its most vulnerable form: scared, confused, and desperately searching for a solution that may not exist.