What Goes On
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


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What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
You are tearing me apart
When you treat me so unkind

The other day I saw you
As I walked along the road
But when I saw him with you
I could feel my future fold
I used to think of no one else
But you were just the same
You didn't even think of me
As someone with a name
It's so easy for a girl like you to lie
Tell me why
Tell me why

What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
You are tearing me apart
When you treat me so unkind

I met you in the morning
Waiting for the tides of time
But now the tide is turning
I can see that I was blind
I used to think of no one else
But you were just the same
You didn't even think of me
As someone with a name
It's so easy for a girl like you to lie
Tell me why
Tell me why

What goes on in your heart?
On in your mind?
You are tearing me apart

What goes on in your heart?
On in your mind?
You are tearing me apart

What goes on in your heart?
On in your mind?
You are tearing me apart

What goes on in your heart?
On in your mind?
You are tearing me apart

What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?
What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?




What goes on in your heart?
What goes on in your mind?

Overall Meaning

The song “What Goes On” by Sufjan Stevens is a heartbreaking narrative about unrequited love and betrayal, entailing the internal conflict of a person who is left feeling heartbroken by a woman who doesn’t respect their love. The lyrics delve deep into the singer's thoughts as he reflects on his former love, questioning what goes on in her heart and mind, and describing how she is tearing him apart with her unkindness.


The song opens with the singer asking what is going on in his lover's heart and mind as he tries to understand her behavior. He is hurt by how she treats him and feels torn up by her harsh words and actions. The singer recounts a time he saw his former lover with someone else and how it made him realize that their connection was lost. Throughout the song, he reflects on how he used to be completely devoted to her, but she never gave him the same level of affection in return. He ponders how easy it is for someone like her to lie and asks her why she continues to treat him poorly.


Overall, “What Goes On” is a powerful and emotional song that softly describes the effects of unrequited love and how it can leave one questioning their own worth. The lyrics are an allegory for those who have been hurt by the people they loved, providing a powerful and introspective narrative that is relatable to many.


Line by Line Meaning

What goes on in your heart?
I am curious about your true feelings and emotions.


What goes on in your mind?
I am curious about your thoughts and intentions.


You are tearing me apart
The way you treat me is causing me immense pain and sorrow.


When you treat me so unkind
Your actions towards me are cruel and hurtful.


The other day I saw you
Recently, I caught a glimpse of you.


As I walked along the road
While I was strolling down the path.


But when I saw him with you
However, when I witnessed you with another person.


I could feel my future fold
I sensed the possibility of my dreams and aspirations collapsing.


I used to think of no one else
There was a time when you consumed my every thought.


But you were just the same
You have not changed since then.


You didn't even think of me
You did not even consider me as an individual.


As someone with a name
You did not think of me as a person deserving of recognition.


It's so easy for a girl like you to lie
It is effortless for someone of your gender and character to deceive.


Tell me why
Explain to me the reasoning behind your actions.


I met you in the morning
I first encountered you in the early hours of the day.


Waiting for the tides of time
Anticipating the changes that would occur over time.


But now the tide is turning
However, the situation has now shifted.


I can see that I was blind
I now realize that I was ignorant of the truth.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOU REED

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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