What'll I Do
Rufus Wainwright with Kate & Anna McGarrigle and Martha Wainwright Lyrics
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tis broken and cannot be mended
You must go your way
And I must go mine
But now that our love dreams have ended
Whatll I do
When you are far away
Whatll I do?
Whatll I do?
When I am wondring who
Is kissing you
Whatll I do?
Whatll I do with just a photograph
To tell my troubles to?
When Im alone
With only dreams of you
That wont come true
Whatll I do?
Whatll I do with just a photograph
To tell my troubles to?
When Im alone
With only dreams of you
That wont come true
Whatll I do?
The lyrics of "What'll I Do" explore the aftermath of a broken romance and the feelings of emptiness and longing that result from it. The opening lines set the scene, describing how the once divine romance is now shattered beyond repair. The singer acknowledges that both they and their former partner must go their separate ways, accepting that their love dreams have come to an end.
The recurring question of "What'll I do?" reflects the singer's desperation and vulnerability in the face of this separation. When their loved one is far away, the singer wonders how they will cope with the intense sadness and loneliness that will inevitably follow. The use of the word "blue" conveys a sense of emotional turmoil and melancholy.
The lyrics then delve further into the singer's anguish by contemplating who might be the one kissing their former partner now. This implies a sense of jealousy and longing, as they imagine someone else enjoying the affection and intimacy that they once shared. The unanswered question echoes their helplessness and lack of control over the situation.
The mention of a photograph highlights the song's theme of memory and emotional preservation. The singer acknowledges that they are left with just a photograph as a reminder of their past love, and they have nobody to confide in about their troubles. This further intensifies their feelings of isolation and longing.
The conclusion of the song brings us back to the singer's state of aloneness, with only dreams of their former partner that will never come true. The repeated question of "What'll I do?" emphasizes their desperation for a solution or escape from their emotional turmoil. Ultimately, the lyrics capture the deep heartache and longing that comes with the end of a once beautiful and cherished romance.
Line by Line Meaning
Gone is the romance that was so divine
The once passionate and beautiful love we had has now faded away
tis broken and cannot be mended
Our love is irreparably shattered and there is no hope of fixing it
You must go your way
You have to continue on your own path
And I must go mine
And I have to find my own separate journey
But now that our love dreams have ended
Since our dreams of love together are now over
Whatll I do
What will I do
When you are far away
When you are distant and not here
And I am blue
And I am sad and feeling down
Whatll I do?
What will I do?
Whatll I do?
What will I do?
When I am wondring who
When I am wondering who
Is kissing you
Is kissing you
Whatll I do?
What will I do?
Whatll I do with just a photograph
What will I do with only a photograph
To tell my troubles to?
To pour out my sorrows and problems to?
When Im alone
When I am by myself
With only dreams of you
With only thoughts and fantasies of you
That wont come true
That will never become reality
Whatll I do?
What will I do?
Whatll I do with just a photograph
What will I do with only a photograph
To tell my troubles to?
To pour out my sorrows and problems to?
When Im alone
When I am by myself
With only dreams of you
With only thoughts and fantasies of you
That wont come true
That will never become reality
Whatll I do?
What will I do?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind