What To Do
The Hollies Lyrics


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What to do now that she doesn't want me?
That's what haunts me
What to do?
What to do to keep from feeling lonely?
Want her only
What to do?

The record hops and all the happy times we had
The soda shop, the walks to school now make me sad
Oh, what to do?
I know my heart is showing
Still not knowing
What to do?

The record hops and all the happy times we had
The soda shop, the walks to school now make me sad
Oh, what to do?
I know my heart is showing
Still not knowing
What to do?

What to do?
What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)
What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)
What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)
What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)
What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)
What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)




What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)
What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)

Overall Meaning

The Hollies' song "What to Do" portrays a person who is haunted by the fact that his loved one no longer wants him. He is unsure of how to keep himself from feeling lonely and he still wants her, indicating that he is still in love with her. The memories of their joyous times together now make him sad as he wonders what he can do to fix the situation. He acknowledges that his heart is showing his true feelings, but he is still unsure of how to proceed.


The verses of the song showcase the impactful power of nostalgia and memory. The singer is longing for a time in his life when he was happier and the chorus emphasizes the confusion he feels in trying to reconcile his present and his past. He is asking the question "What to Do?" in hopes of finding a solution to his heartbreak, yet he is unable to find an answer.


The song highlights the complexity of human emotions, and how the past can be an impediment to moving on. It serves as a reminder that past experiences are detrimental to present relationships and that making new memories is the key to moving on. In summary, "What to Do" is a poignant portrayal of the emotional hardships that arise when relationships come to an end.


Line by Line Meaning

What to do now that she doesn't want me?
The singer is confused and does not know how to proceed now that his lover has left him.


That's what haunts me
The situation of his lover leaving him is bothering the singer and he can't stop thinking about it.


What to do?
The singer is asking himself what action he can take to overcome his loneliness.


What to do to keep from feeling lonely?
The singer is searching for a way to avoid feeling lonely after his lover has left him.


Want her only
The singer still carries the desire for his former lover and considers her to be the only one for him.


The record hops and all the happy times we had
The singer is reminiscing about the good times he spent with his lover. They used to go for record hops and it reminds him of memories that he shared with her.


The soda shop, the walks to school now make me sad
The places where he used to go along with his ex-lover have now turned into a source of sadness for him.


Oh, what to do?
The singer is still in the dilemma of what to do next and he can't figure out a solution to his problem.


I know my heart is showing
The singer acknowledges that his emotions are on display but he still doesn't know what actions to take.


Still not knowing
Despite acknowledging his feelings and the situation, he still doesn't have any idea about what to do next.


What to do?
The singer is stuck in the same predicament, trying to figure out the best course of action for his situation.


What to do? (to do, what to do, what to do)
Going over the possibilities in his mind, the singer repeats his question multiple times, still unsure of his next move.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BUDDY HOLLY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Philip Kassabian


on Carrie Anne

A nice and catchy song by The Hollies.

Philip Kassabian


on Bus Stop

Yet another great Hollies song.

Philip Kassabian


on Stop Stop Stop

One of the best bands from the 60's no doubt.

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