Meaning of "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" by Chris Botti

The lyrics of "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" delve into the theme of a profound longing for a lifetime partnership and dedication. The narrator expresses a heartfelt desire to witness and experience every facet of their loved one's existence. The opening lines, "I want to see your face in every kind of light, in fields of dawn and forests of the night," illustrate the narrator's yearning to be intimately connected to their loved one at all times, in both joy and darkness. They want to fully participate in the celebrations and milestones, symbolized by "when you stand before the candles on a cake, let me be the one to hear the silent wish you make."

The repeated question, "What are you doing the rest of your life?" showcases the narrator's eagerness to know if their loved one will commit to spending their future together. They yearn for a complete devotion that encompasses all directions and phases of life, indicated by "north and south and east and west of your life." The request for the other person to spend their life with the narrator is a plea for an enduring and exclusive connection, emphasizing its significance.

The lyrics further convey the depth of the narrator's affection by acknowledging that their love encompasses not only the bigger picture moments but also the everyday aspects. "All the seasons and the times of your days, all the nickels and the dimes of your days" suggests a desire to be a part of every season and minute detail of their loved one's life. They want their presence to shape and influence each decision and experience, symbolized by "let the reasons and the rhymes of your days all begin and end with me."

The profound love described in the lyrics is not confined to the present but extends to the future. The mention of "those tomorrows waiting deep in your eyes, in the world of love that you keep in your eyes" signifies the narrator's anticipation of shared joys and dreams that lie ahead. They express a willingness to awaken and nurture the dormant passions and desires within their loved one, even if it takes "a kiss or two."

Ultimately, the lyrics of "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" encapsulate a deep longing for a lifelong partnership, where every moment, memory, and experience is shared and cherished. It portrays a love that is all-encompassing and enduring, promising a lifetime of devotion, growth, and connection.