What You Do
The Queenstons Lyrics

The Queenston’s song “What You Do” is a haunting reflection on the damage that can be caused by toxic relationships. The lyrics discuss the singer's willingness to go to great lengths to please their partner. They repeatedly insist that their partner is “gonna make you so happy” and express a desire to change everything about themselves to be what their partner wants. However, the opening lines of the song reveal a sense of desperation underneath this false happiness, as the singer implores “everybody is gonna be happy/be happy”. The repetition of this phrase belies the singer’s fear that they will be the only one left suffering in the end.

As the song progresses, the tone becomes increasingly dark. The lyrics “the stitches didn't hold/my blood is running cold” suggest that the singer has been physically injured by their partner. Despite this, they continue to insist that they are “fine, or so I say”. The final lines of the song reveal the depth of the singer’s self-destructive tendencies. They promise to “empty out” and “change my everything for you” in order to preserve the relationship, even as it causes them harm.

The Queenston’s “What You Do” is a powerful depiction of the cycle of abuse that can occur in intimate relationships. It highlights the tendency of victims to justify and tolerate harmful behavior in the name of love, as well as the ways in which this can be a form of self-harm. The song serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and leaving toxic relationships in order to prioritize one’s own wellbeing.