Will I Do (Till The Real Thing Comes Along)

Song Meaning

The narrator lays bare their insecurities, acknowledging they don't fit the idealized image their love interest desires. They admit, "I know everything about me is all wrong," yet they plead for a chance, asking, "Will I do, 'til the real thing comes along?" This sets up a poignant plea for temporary affection, born from a place of perceived inadequacy. The central tension lies in the narrator's willingness to settle for a secondary role, a placeholder until the 'real thing' arrives. They recognize the other person's longing for a perfect match, stating, "You've been waiting for the right man for so long." Despite this, the narrator offers unwavering support: "if you need me I'll be there," highlighting a selfless, almost desperate, desire to be wanted, even on a temporary basis. The most striking craft element is the narrator's self-effacing honesty contrasted with their persistent hope. The line "I've been tried and I'm true / But I ain't been tried by you" is particularly sharp, suggesting a proven quality that remains untested and unvalued by the object of their affection. This creates a unique vulnerability, as they are willing to be 'tried' only in a limited, temporary capacity. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they capture the painful reality of loving someone who is waiting for someone else. The narrator's willingness to be a 'stand-in' is both heartbreaking and deeply human, making their plea for even a temporary connection feel profoundly moving. The repeated question, "Will I do," hangs heavy with the weight of their conditional self-worth.