The lyrics describe a situation where two people are alone together, one of them waiting for the other to make a move. The narrator is expressing insecurity and vulnerability, longing for the other person to take action and show their interest.

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Meaning of "What Are You Waiting For" by Emmelie De Forest


"What Are You Waiting For" portrays the frustration and yearning of someone who is clearly interested in someone else but is unsure of their feelings being reciprocated. The repeated question of "What are you waiting for?" emphasizes the impatience and desire for the other person to stop hesitating and make a move. The narrator's vulnerability is highlighted through phrases like "making me insecure" and "aching for you as my shelter," suggesting a deep emotional longing for affection and connection. The lyrics also touch upon societal norms and expectations that dictate who takes the lead in relationships, questioning why those rules exist and ultimately concluding that it is up to the other person to decide. Overall, the song captures the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the fear of rejection, urging the other person to take a chance and not leave the narrator standing alone in the rain.