What Can I Do
Johnsons Lyrics


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What can I do
When the bird's got to die
What can I do
When she's too weak to fly
What can I do
When she's calling my name
She's crying
Mama, help me to live
Mama, help me to live
Mama, help me to live
To live, to live, to live
What can I do




What can I do
What can I do

Overall Meaning

In Johnson's song "What Can I Do," the lyrics explore the helplessness one feels when faced with a situation where they are unable to save or change the circumstances. The song seems to use the metaphor of a bird to represent someone who is struggling and needs assistance. The first few lines describe the bird's imminent death and its inability to fly. This can be interpreted as a representation of someone who is in a desperate situation and lacks the strength or capability to overcome it. The repeated plea of "Mama, help me to live" expresses the desperation and longing for someone to come to the rescue and provide a solution.


The repeated question of "What can I do" reflects the singer's frustration and disappointment in their own inability to find a solution. It emphasizes their sense of powerlessness and the limits of their own capabilities. The song captures the emotional struggle of witnessing someone in distress and feeling unable to help, leaving the singer with a sense of guilt and despair.


Overall, "What Can I Do" delves into the human longing to make a difference and the frustration that arises when confronted with situations beyond our control. Through its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery, the song conveys the complex emotions of helplessness and yearning for solutions in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

What can I do
I am faced with a difficult situation and I feel helpless


When the bird's got to die
When something is inevitable and cannot be avoided


When she's too weak to fly
When someone is lacking the strength or ability to overcome a challenge


When she's calling my name
When someone is reaching out to me for help or support


She's crying
She is expressing her pain or distress


Mama, help me to live
I desperately need someone I trust to guide me through this difficult situation


To live, to live, to live
I want to overcome this hardship and continue living


What can I do
I am still searching for a solution or a way to make a difference


What can I do
I am feeling uncertain and helpless


What can I do
I am questioning my abilities and limitations




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nicolebrooks6806

It's nice to know that one of the hardest moments in his life gave him his sense of direction, a wonderful perspective on life, determination and gratitude! If this man's words isn't motivation for our everyday man I don't know what is?

@tmar8959

I'd just seen your name/ comment in just 2 videos before and I thought am I crazy? I checked and it's the one with the colourblind groom and you talked about glaucoma. Sorry if this is weird just interesting how the algorithim works and we've probably seen a same few videos!

@nicolebrooks6806

@T Mar hi T Mar!
We probably have watched a lot of the same videos! I'll start looking for your comments now.. you have a great day darling! And yes I do have primary open angle glaucoma and have had it since I was 15 and I am only 38.. everyday I'm slowly losing my vision but I'm glad I can still see colors! 😘🙏 Love and blessings my friend

@ahloopd

Very smart and humble person. He never forgot where he came from that made him the person he is today. God bless, Rock.

@williammierop576

The Rock is so amazing, a true loving, caring, man I am proud to say he's my real life hero...and he's funny as hell..

@jesusismyking9993

I totally understand. I went to work at 14 to try keeping a roof over my Family. We lived from hotel to hotel, and from campground to campground. I tried so hard. It was myself, My Mom, My Dad, My Sister, and Brother. My Father just passed from Covid, My Mom died 21 years ago. I'm now 48 disabled trying to take care of my two siblings as one is also disabled, the other one has several issues. I'm responsible for them both an it's so hard. May God Bless you Always Sir.

@TheBigLeagueMotivation

You're a fighter brother. May god bless you and keep up the good work 🙏🙏

@mzsjonzz2029

I can so relate to that feeling...you're always a little afraid of being poor again..keeps you motivated

@memadelrey4832

Seeing your mom cry definitely breaks you

@TheBigLeagueMotivation

💯

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