I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself
Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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Don't know just what to do with myself
I'm so used to doing everything with you
Planning everything for two
And now that we're through
I just don't know what to do with my time
I'm so lonesome for you, it's a crime Going to a movie only makes me sad
Parties make me feel as bad
When I'm not with you, I just don't know what to do
Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain
I need your sweet love to beat all the pain
I just don't know what to do with myself
I just don't know what to do with myself
Baby, if your new love ever turns you down
Come back, I will be around
Just waiting for you, I just know what else to do
Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain
I need your sweet love to beat all the pain
I just don't know what to do with myself
I just don't know what to do with myself
Baby, if your new love ever turns you down
Come back, I will be around
Just waiting for you, I just know what else to do
The lyrics of "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself" by Elvis Costello with Burt Bacharach express the emptiness and confusion one feels when they have lost someone who used to be an essential part of their life. The singer of the song is struggling to adjust to the absence of their lover who used to be their companion in all their activities. They cannot even find solace in doing things that used to bring them joy, like going to a movie or partying. They admit that they need their love to overcome their pain and feel whole again, just like a summer rose needs the sun and rain to thrive. The singer is hopeful that their former lover will come back to them if their new love ever lets them down.
The song carries a sense of melancholy and longing, and Costello's signature vocal style complements the poetic lyrics. The song was an instant hit when it was first released, and its popularity has remained intact through the years.
Line by Line Meaning
I just don't know what to do with myself
I feel lost and unsure about how to fill my time without you
Don't know just what to do with myself
I am uncertain about what activities to engage in when you are not by my side
I'm so used to doing everything with you
I have become accustomed to sharing all aspects of my life with you
Planning everything for two
We used to plan all activities as a team, but now I am left to handle this on my own
And now that we're through
Our relationship has ended, leaving me feeling at a loss
I just don't know what to do with my time
I am at a loss for how to spend my free time without you
I'm so lonesome for you, it's a crime
My loneliness without you is so intense that it feels like a criminal offense
Going to a movie only makes me sad
Even activities that previously brought me joy are now tinged with sadness because you are not there to share them with me
Parties make me feel as bad
Social events and gatherings no longer bring me happiness or alleviate my loneliness
When I'm not with you, I just don't know what to do
My dependence on you has left me feeling helpless and unsure when we are apart
Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain
Just as a rose requires water and sunshine to survive, I need your love to keep me going and feel alive
I need your sweet love to beat all the pain
Your love is the only remedy that can cure the pain and loneliness I am experiencing
Baby, if your new love ever turns you down
In the event that your new love interest is not successful in making you happy and fulfilled,
Come back, I will be around
I will still be here waiting for you
Just waiting for you, I just know what else to do
My only plan now is to wait for your return, as I am at a loss for what else to do without you
Contributed by Jack J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nichellejohnson3340
I’m listening today, 2/09/2023 because Burt Bacharach has just passed away. I loved his collaborations with Elvis Costello. I grew up listening to Burt’s music growing up. I’m so sad.
@MichaelBrassMusic
Burt Bacharach and his unpredictable chord progressions...his music is a blessing
@dianwilson4840
Just saw Elvis last night in Raleigh NC. His voice was mesmerizing
@beaglemom06
I wish I could get a dvd of this show. I watched it years ago when it came out, it was so good.
@robbiefrantz8170
He lays it all out emotionally here. Love this version.
@racketman2u
It's always interesting to see what covers great song writers choose to do, and I really like Elvis Costello's interpretation here.
@TATOIANENTERPRISES
Songwriters TAKE HEED!!!! This is brilliant songwriting,; catchy melody with deep feeling and simple, powerful lyrics:) :-) :-)
@talesfromtinpanalley-thedo6198
Perfection RIP BURT
@AdvocatePower
beautiful song and love Elvis Costello singing this... Both such talented people!
@bryanwhite5897
I had a Stiff Records sampler from the late 1970s that had a liver version of this song w/Elvis and the Attractions. It was intense. I realized then that the guy was a genius.