What'll I Do
Chris Botti Lyrics


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What'll I do
When you are far away
And I'm so blue
What'll I do?

What'll I do
When I am wondering who
Is kissing you
What'll I do?

What'll I do
With just a photograph
To tell my troubles too?

When I'm alone
With only dreams of you




That won't come true
What'll I do?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "What'll I Do" by Chris Botti featuring Paula Cole showcase a person's vulnerability and loneliness when they are separated from the one they love. The first two lines emphasize the distance between the two individuals, and the singer’s sadness that comes along with it. The lyrics "What'll I do?" emphasized in the chorus, highlight the inner turmoil the singer is feeling in this particular situation.


The chorus continues to be a powerful reflection of the singer’s helplessness in wondering and worrying what the other person is doing while being far away. This resonates with many people dealing with long-distanced relationships. The final stanza is a poignant reflection of the memory of being with this person, as the singer attempts to find solace in the photograph of their loved one. The verse ends with a sad realization that nothing will change and that the dreams won’t come true, leaving the singer feeling lost and helpless, which can be a relatable emotion for many.


Line by Line Meaning

What'll I do
What actions should I take


When you are far away
When you are physically distant from me


And I'm so blue
And I feel despondent


What'll I do?
What should I do in order to cope with this feeling?


What'll I do
What actions should I take


When I am wondering who
When I am speculating about who might be with you


Is kissing you
Is engaging in physical intimacy with you


What'll I do?
What should I do in order to cope with these thoughts?


What'll I do
What actions should I take


With just a photograph
With only a picture


To tell my troubles too?
To confide in about my struggles?


When I'm alone
When I am by myself


With only dreams of you
With only thoughts and fantasies of you


That won't come true
That will remain unrealized


What'll I do?
What should I do in order to cope with this unfulfilled desire?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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