What Will We Do?

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a stark, almost existential void, beginning and ending with an instrumental passage that frames the absence of words. This structure suggests a narrative that is either unarticulated or has reached a point where language fails. The repetition of the title phrase, "What will we do?", acts as a refrain of uncertainty, a question posed into an echoing silence. This central tension lies in the confrontation with a lack of direction or purpose, highlighted by the repeated query. The instrumental breaks serve not just as musical interludes but as sonic representations of this unanswerable question, emphasizing the pause and the potential for inaction or despair. It’s a moment suspended, waiting for a response that never seems to arrive within the lyrical framework. The most striking craft element is the deliberate use of silence and repetition. The instrumental sections are as crucial as any sung word, creating a palpable sense of emptiness. The repeated question, "What will we do?", functions like a mantra of helplessness, its power derived from its unanswered nature and its placement within this sonic void. The lyrics don't offer solutions; they embody the problem of not knowing what comes next. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their minimalist approach to conveying profound unease. By stripping away narrative and relying on a single, repeated question bookended by instrumental silence, the song forces the listener to confront the feeling of being adrift. It captures a specific kind of anxiety – the quiet dread of facing an unknown future with no clear path forward.