What Should I Do?

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of indecision, trapped in a cycle of questioning. The narrator is stuck, repeatedly asking "What should I do?" This isn't just a casual query; it's a desperate plea for guidance in a relationship that offers no solace. The immediate emotional texture is one of frustration and confusion, a feeling amplified by the relentless repetition of the central question. The core tension lies in the narrator's inability to extricate herself from a toxic dynamic. She labels him a "sad boy," a "bad boy," and a "two face," clearly articulating his negative impact. Yet, the bridge reveals a confusing duality: "Sometimes he's kind / Sometimes he's cruel." This inconsistency fuels the narrator's paralysis, making it impossible to definitively label the relationship as all bad, thus deepening her quandary. The most striking craft element is the stark, almost childlike simplicity of the language juxtaposed with the adult pain it conveys. Phrases like "He never gives me any joy" and "He never wins a race" are direct and unadorned, highlighting the lack of positive reinforcement in the relationship. The repetition of "Tell me, tell me" underscores a profound sense of isolation and a desperate need for external validation or direction, which never arrives. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw portrayal of being stuck. The narrator acknowledges her own feelings – "I know they're true," "I know that too" – but this self-awareness doesn't provide an exit. The song resonates because it captures that agonizing moment when logic and emotion collide, leaving one paralyzed and yearning for an answer that remains just out of reach.