What Have We Done (12" Extended Mix)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of irreversible change and loss, framed by a sense of profound regret. The opening verses establish a stark contrast between a past where things were different and a present defined by absence and darkness. The phrase "An angel has fallen" suggests a significant, perhaps catastrophic, event that has fundamentally altered the landscape, leaving behind a void where something pure or hopeful once existed. This sense of finality is amplified by the declaration that "nothing can be how it's been." The central tension revolves around a repeated, desperate question: "What have we done?" This refrain, punctuated by the almost mocking "Done done done," underscores a deep-seated guilt and bewilderment over past actions or inactions. The shift from "love seemed so heartless" to "light turned to darkness" implies a betrayal or a failure that has extinguished former brightness, leaving only a faint, distant memory – "her star can be seen." This suggests a profound sense of mourning for what has been lost. The lyrics employ a powerful sense of unfulfilled potential and unspoken truths. Lines like "You could talk without speaking" and "Words left unspoken" highlight a communication breakdown or a deliberate withholding that has led to this point. The imagery of "bonds left unbroken" and "dreams that will never unfold" further emphasizes the lingering consequences of choices made, where connections remain but have lost their meaning, and aspirations are permanently out of reach. The inclusion of laughter, especially the disembodied "Ha ha ha ha ha ha," adds a chilling layer of irony, as if the gravity of the situation is so immense it borders on the absurd or the tragically comical. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their stark portrayal of consequence and regret. The simple, repetitive question of "What have we done?" becomes a haunting echo of irreversible actions. The juxtaposition of profound loss with the unsettling laughter creates a disquieting emotional resonance, leaving the listener to ponder the weight of unspoken words and broken dreams and the devastating impact of choices that can never be undone.