What Can I Do
Smokie - What Can I Do Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems to float on by
Like a cloud in the wind
Way up in the sky
Every move that I make
Seems to be the wrong way
Like a cold black night
After a summer day
What can I do
What can I do
Nothing to say but it used to be
Nothing to say but it used to be
What can I do
You still play my guitar
With a smile on my face
Now everything's changed
My whole life's rearranged
From the day I was born
Sidle Jinks was my name
Though I tried and I tried
That name still remains
What can I do
What can I do
Nothing to say but it used to be
Nothing to say but it used to be
What can I do
What can I do
What can I do
What can I do
What can I do
I hear voices all singing
But no one is there
It's a ghost of my life
Bringing past tense to mind
Lokin' key inside me
From the freedom and sin
Oh come let me in
I'll start all over again
What can I do
What can I do
Nothing to say but it used to be
No no no no no no no no no
What can I do
What can I do
What
In the lyrics of "What Can I Do" by Smokie, the singer expresses a pervasive sense of frustration and helplessness in the face of their circumstances. The imagery of dreams drifting by like clouds in the wind and every move feeling like the wrong choice conveys a feeling of aimlessness and uncertainty in their life. The comparison of their actions to a "cold black night after a summer day" suggests a stark contrast between their current state and past optimism or warmth.
The repeated refrain of "What can I do" underscores the singer's feelings of powerlessness and resignation. Despite their efforts to change or improve their situation, they feel stuck in a cycle of disappointment and inertia. The references to playing the guitar and a name from their past further highlight a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when things seemed simpler or more hopeful.
The mention of hearing voices without anyone there and feeling like a ghost of their own life adds a haunting dimension to the lyrics. This imagery conveys a sense of disconnection from reality and a struggle to make sense of their own experiences. The mention of a locked key symbolizes a barrier to freedom and a desire to break free from past patterns or constraints.
The final lines, with the plea to "start all over again," capture a glimmer of hope or determination amidst the prevailing sense of defeat. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they face, the singer seems to yearn for a fresh start or a chance to rewrite their story. The unresolved repetition of "What can I do" at the end suggests ongoing introspection and a quest for answers in the face of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Every dream that I dream
All of my aspirations seem out of reach and elusive
Seems to float on by
They appear to pass by me without being realized
Like a cloud in the wind
Just like a cloud being carried away by the wind
Way up in the sky
High above where I can't touch or grasp them
Every move that I make
Every action I take
Seems to be the wrong way
Feels like I'm always making the incorrect choices
Like a cold black night
Similar to a dark and lonely night
After a summer day
Following a time of warmth and happiness
What can I do
I feel powerless and unsure of how to change my situation
You still play my guitar
The memories associated with the guitar still linger
With a smile on my face
Despite the changes, I try to maintain a positive outlook
Now everything's changed
My life has been completely transformed
My whole life's rearranged
Everything has been reorganized and shifted
From the day I was born
Since the beginning of my existence
Sidle Jinks was my name
My identity or reputation has always been the same
Though I tried and I tried
Despite my efforts and attempts
That name still remains
My reputation or past actions continue to define me
I hear voices all singing
I am haunted by memories and past experiences
But no one is there
Despite the voices, I am alone in my struggles
It's a ghost of my life
These memories are like a haunting presence
Bringing past tense to mind
Reminding me of moments that are gone
Lokin' key inside me
A feeling of being trapped or restricted within myself
From the freedom and sin
From moments of liberation and wrongdoing
Oh come let me in
Desiring a chance to start anew and make changes
I'll start all over again
I want to reset and begin afresh
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHANG HOON KIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind