The lyrics of "What'll I Do?" express feelings of loneliness and heartache when separated from a loved one, wondering about who they may be with and finding solace only in memories and dreams that will never be fulfilled.

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Meaning of "What'll I Do?" by Chris Botti


The lyrics of "What'll I Do?" delve into the intense emotional turmoil and heartache that comes with being apart from a loved one. The repetition of the question "What'll I do" highlights the speaker's desperate search for comfort and answers in a situation where they feel lost and alone. The imagery of being left with only a photograph to confide in speaks to the longing for the physical presence of the loved one, while also emphasizing the inability to fully connect with the person captured in the picture. The lines "When I'm alone with only dreams of you that won't come true" encapsulate the bittersweet nature of holding onto fantasies that can never be realized. Overall, the song captures the raw vulnerability and ache of missing someone deeply, showcasing the depths of emotional pain that can come with distance and longing.