Q and U are a Brighton based acoustic duo combing the talents of Anna Lemos… Read Full Bio ↴Q and U are a Brighton based acoustic duo combing the talents of Anna Lemos (vocals and guitar) and Eduard Mead (vocals, keys and electric ukulele) who met on a late night bus journey heading back to Sussex Uni in 2011. Their shared Brazilian heritage and passion for music provided an instant connection and are currently in the process of recording their first full length album.

What Can I Do
Q and U Lyrics

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When I left you
I flew
Did you fly too?
And nakedness befell my way
Only seen in the light of the day

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

And creativity it soaks my soul
I ask not to be alone
You don't have to ask me for my hand
I already know where I stand

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want
I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

And consequences in the furure
Feeling is now
And I can't feel the future
But I can be there for you now

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want
I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

I only want what I can't have
I only want what I can't have

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Q and U's song What Can I Do presents a story of a person who has left their partner and is wondering if their partner feels the same way about their departure. The first verse implies that the person left without looking back, and the question "Did you fly too?" suggests that they wonder if their partner also made a significant change in their life. The second line, "And nakedness befell my way, Only seen in the light of the day," seems to suggest that the person left something behind that they valued, and now they feel exposed and vulnerable.

The chorus, "I only want what I can't have, I only need what I don't want," expresses the person's perspective on their relationship. They seem to have a tendency to pursue things that are out of reach and to be disinterested in what they already possess, which could be reflective of their decision to leave their partner. The following verse talks about creativity and feeling alone, asking not to be left alone, and already knowing where they stand. These lines could indicate that the person left the relationship because they lacked creative fulfillment or felt stagnated in some way.

The final verse contemplates the future and living in the moment, with the line "And consequences in the future, Feeling is now." This line suggests that the person is aware that their decision to leave might have long-term effects, but for now, they are focused on how they feel in the present. The last line, "I only want what I can't have," is repeated, emphasizing the theme of longing for what is out of reach.

Line by Line Meaning

When I left you
After leaving you, I wondered if you also went through the same emotion

I flew
I left immediately

Did you fly too?
Did you leave too?

And nakedness befell my way
I felt vulnerable and exposed after leaving you

Only seen in the light of the day
I could only understand my vulnerability and exposure during the day.

I only want what I can't have
I always crave for things that are impossible to have

I only need what I don't want
I require the things I dislike.

And creativity it soaks my soul
My creativity engulfs my soul.

I ask not to be alone
I don't want to be lonely.

You don't have to ask me for my hand
You don't have to ask me to support you

I already know where I stand
I'm clear about my purpose and direction.