What’ll I Do

Song Meaning

These lyrics plunge into a future of profound loneliness, asking a question that has no answer. The speaker is consumed by the impending absence of a loved one, grappling with the sheer impossibility of coping. It's a raw, pre-emptive lament, painting a vivid picture of a heart already aching for what's to come. The central tension here is the speaker's utter helplessness in the face of an inevitable separation. They are not just sad about the distance, but haunted by specific, painful scenarios: "wondering who / Is kissing you." This isn't just about missing a presence; it's about the terrifying thought of replacement and the complete void that will be left behind, leaving the speaker utterly alone. The craft here is devastatingly simple yet effective. The relentless repetition of "What'll I do?" isn't just a question; it's a desperate, circular plea, trapping the speaker in their own anxiety. The image of having "just a photograph / To tell my troubles to?" is particularly stark, suggesting a future where even inanimate objects become stand-ins for lost intimacy. It highlights an isolation so complete that even a silent picture is a preferred confidante over nothing at all. Ultimately, the power of these lyrics lies in their unvarnished honesty and directness. There are no grand metaphors or complex narratives, just the raw, unadulterated fear of an empty future. By repeating the line "only dreams of you / That won't come true," the lyrics hammer home the futility of hope, leaving the listener with a visceral sense of the speaker's deep, unresolved despair.