Song Meaning

The lyrics of "What Will I Do" plunge us into a vivid internal monologue of intense anticipation. The speaker is consumed by the thought of a future encounter with someone. It's a snapshot of profound infatuation, tinged with a palpable sense of helplessness. The central tension here is the stark contrast between overwhelming internal emotion and a perceived inability to act. The speaker admits, "No words to say," yet immediately follows with, "But I'm longing for the day." This isn't just a simple crush; it's a feeling so potent it leaves the speaker feeling "hypnotized," utterly disarmed and without agency. The imagined release of emotion, to "scream and shout," underscores the depth of these unexpressed feelings. Craft-wise, the lyrics effectively use the realm of dreams to highlight this emotional chasm. While in reality, the speaker is paralyzed by uncertainty, admitting, "Crying for you is all I can do," their dreams offer a different space. "In my dreams I've talked to him / A thousand times and more," suggesting a vivid, active connection that stands in stark contrast to the real-world question, "How can I ever find out what you feel?" Dreams become a sanctuary for connection that reality denies. The repeated chorus, "What will I do / When I see him again?" isn't just a question; it's a refrain of unresolved yearning. This constant return to the core dilemma, coupled with the raw, direct language, makes these lyrics incredibly effective. They capture that universal, dizzying feeling of being utterly captivated by someone, where the sheer force of emotion makes even simple interaction feel like an insurmountable challenge.