Meaning of "Tell Me What I Gotta Do" by Al Jarreau

"Tell Me What I Gotta Do" is a song that expresses the intense desire and longing for someone. The lyrics portray the singer's infatuation with someone he sees walking by every day. He is captivated by their shine and dreams of becoming a part of their life. The repeated line of "Tell me what I gotta do" highlights the singer's desperation to know what steps he needs to take in order to be with this person. He feels lost and unsure, but he is determined to find a way to reach them.

The lyrics also emphasize the singer's yearning to be close to the person of his affection. He daydreams about how it would feel to be with them and envisions a fantasy where they love him back. This showcases the depth of his longing and his yearning for reciprocated affection. The vulnerability in the lyrics reflects the raw emotions experienced when infatuated with someone, as the singer longs for their attention and affection.

The repetition of the chorus throughout the song reinforces the urgency and desperation the singer feels. He wants to know where he needs to go, what he needs to say, and what he needs to know to make everything right. This repetition creates a sense of pleading and a longing for guidance from the person he desires. The repeated lines also emphasize the singer's determination to do whatever it takes to be with this person, highlighting the depth of his emotions.

Overall, "Tell Me What I Gotta Do" conveys the universal experience of longing and desire for someone. It captures the emotions of infatuation and the longing for reciprocation, as the singer pleads to know what steps he needs to take to be with the person of his affection.