I Don't Know What to Do
The Magician Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't know what to do
I don't know what to do
I keep on calling you
I keep on calling you

Some nights I never know if you are coming home
Some days I can't get out I just feel so alone
It really seems to me you want to let me go

I wear a smile went out but now I just don't know

My friends keep will tell me that I have to turn around
I spin and spin but I just wind up on the ground
I lay awake in bed and hope to hear a sound
that tells me you're around

I don't know what to do
I don't know what to do

I keep on calling you
I keep on calling you

Overall Meaning

The Magician's song "I Don't Know What to Do" is a song about the confusion and helplessness that comes with trying to hold onto a failing relationship. The repeated line "I don't know what to do" emphasizes the singer's lack of control and confusion in the situation. The second verse reveals the singer's struggle with loneliness and the uncertainty of their partner's commitment to the relationship. The line "It really seems to me you want to let me go" suggests that the singer is aware of their partner's waning interest but is still unsure how to address the issue. The reference to friends' advice further emphasizes this feeling of being lost and unable to make a decision. The final lines express the singer's hope and desperation to hear from their partner and to salvage the relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't know what to do
I'm feeling lost and helpless, unsure of my next move.

I keep on calling you
I'm desperately reaching out for your presence and guidance.

Some nights I never know if you are coming home
I feel uncertain about the stability of our relationship and whether you'll return to me.

Some days I can't get out I just feel so alone
I'm consumed by feelings of isolation and trapped in my own despair.

It really seems to me you want to let me go
I sense that you're pulling away and considering ending our relationship.

I wear a smile went out but now I just don't know
I put on a brave face when I'm out in public, but inside I'm struggling to hold everything together.

My friends keep will tell me that I have to turn around
My friends advise me to change my behavior or mindset in order to improve my situation.

I spin and spin but I just wind up on the ground
I try to take control and make things better, but I keep ending up back where I started.

I lay awake in bed and hope to hear a sound
I spend sleepless nights waiting and wishing for some sign of your presence or return.

that tells me you're around
Something, anything to give me a sense of hope or security in our relationship.

Contributed by Maya M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS