The band was formed by Dot, Betty, and Helen on the insistence of their father, Austin Wiggin, who believed that his mother foresaw their rise to stardom. The only studio album, 'Philosophy of the World', was released in 1969 and failed to garner attention, though the band continued to exist as a locally popular live act. The group disbanded in 1975 after the death of Austin.
The Shaggs have a consistent (but highly idiosyncratic) approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm. The songs use irregular verse structures, which are emphasized by the melodic structures. These typically accord one note per syllable: the guitar accompaniment attempts to reproduce this pattern as well. Most of the Shaggs material is made up of eighth- and quarter-notes.
Posthumously, the band gained notoriety and praise for their unconventional style, and lyrical honesty. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain highlighted their work for praise. Frank Zappa named 'Philosophy of the World' one of his favorite records. He even said they were "better than The Beatles." 'Philosophy of the World' was later reissued on Rounder, the label of the rock group NRBQ, and the compilation 'Shaggs' Own Thing' was released in 1982.
What Should I Do?
The Shaggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What should I do?
Tell me, tell me
What should I do?
He's a sad boy
He's a bad boy
He never gives me any joy
He's a two face
He's a disgrace
He never wins a race
Tell me what should I do?
Should I tell him goodbye?
Should I tell him we're through?
Should I tell him I know he lies?
Won't someone tell me what should I do?
What should I do?
What should I do?
Tell me, tell me
What should I do?
Sometimes he's kind
Sometimes he's cruel
Sometimes he's mean
And other times he's true
Tell me what should I do?
Wish someone would answer me
But don't know who
Wish someone would tell me, tell me
What to do
Don't tell me I've had good times with him
'Cause I know they're true
Don't tell me I still love him
'Cause I know that too
Just tell me what should I do?
What should I do?
What should I do?
Tell me, tell me
What should I do?
The Shaggs' song "What Should I Do" is a lament about a troubled relationship. The song's protagonist is caught in a situation she doesn't know how to navigate. She describes her lover as both cruel and kind, and acknowledges that he is a liar. She seeks advice from others, hoping they will tell her what to do.
The song's simple structure echoes the singer's confusion. Each verse repeats the same question: "What should I do?" The verses themselves describe the contradictory behavior of the singer's lover. He's a "sad boy" who "never gives me any joy," but he's also "true" at times. He's a "two-faced" "disgrace" who "never wins a race," but he's also "sometimes...kind." Throughout the song, the singer is looking for an answer to her dilemma.
The song's lack of resolution reflects the singer's inability to find a clear way forward. The repetition of the question "What should I do?" underscores the lack of an easy answer. Ultimately, the song is about the difficulty of making decisions in the context of a complicated relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
What should I do?
The singer is seeking advice.
Tell me, tell me
The singer is eager to receive an answer.
He's a sad boy
The person the singer is in a relationship with is unhappy.
He's a bad boy
The person the artist is in a relationship with behaves poorly.
He never gives me any joy
The artist does not feel happy while being with the person.
He's a two face
The person the singer is in a relationship with is deceitful.
He's a disgrace
The person the singer is in a relationship with acts improperly.
He never wins a race
The person the artist is in a relationship with is not successful.
Should I tell him goodbye?
The artist is considering ending the relationship.
Should I tell him we're through?
The artist is considering ending the relationship.
Should I tell him I know he lies?
The singer suspects the person they are with is dishonest.
Won't someone tell me what should I do?
The artist is asking for help to make a decision.
Sometimes he's kind
The person the singer is in a relationship with has good qualities.
Sometimes he's cruel
The person the singer is in a relationship with has bad qualities.
Sometimes he's mean
The person the singer is in a relationship with has bad qualities.
And other times he's true
The person the artist is in a relationship with has good qualities.
Wish someone would answer me
The artist is still waiting for advice.
But don't know who
The singer is unsure who to ask for help.
Don't tell me I've had good times with him
The singer is aware of the good parts of the relationship but they are outweighed by the bad.
'Cause I know they're true
The artist acknowledges that there were good times in the relationship.
Don't tell me I still love him
The artist is aware of their feelings for the person they are in a relationship with.
'Cause I know that too
The artist is aware of their feelings for the person they are in a relationship with.
Contributed by Ethan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
j.c.
on Philosophy of the World
"Whenever at ease"
might be "We're never at ease" ?