Meaning of "What If I Do" by Foo Fighters

The lyrics of "What If I Do" reveal a sense of internal conflict and hesitation in a relationship. The narrator is haunted by the voice of their partner, which keeps them awake at night. They are desperately searching for the right words to address the issues that plague their partner's thoughts. The narrator compares their emotional state to the wildest tides in a hurricane, displaying the turmoil they feel. They choose to hide their own thoughts and feelings, possibly because they cannot adequately explain them. The uncertainty of their own emotions complicates their decision-making process.

The chorus poses the question "What if I do, love? What if I don't?" This reflects the narrator's contemplation of the potential outcomes of their actions. They acknowledge that pursuing love comes with risks, as indicated by the line "I'd have to lose everything just to find you." This suggests that the narrator might have to sacrifice parts of themselves or their current life in order to fully embrace the love they desire. The repetition of the question throughout the song emphasizes their indecisiveness and the fear of making the wrong choice.

The lyrics also touch on themes of personal growth and learning from past mistakes. The narrator refers to "trophies earned and lessons learned" and "wicked little lies." This implies that they have experienced both triumphs and deception in their past, and they are wary of repeating those patterns. They express a desire to carve new paths, hinted by the line "We can pave new roads with the cold gravestones." However, they also struggle with the decision of whether to go on this journey alone or stay in the current relationship.

The mention of "Carolina, Caroline" could represent a person or a symbolic representation of a place or state of mind. The repetition of the name suggests that it holds significance, possibly as a metaphor for love, desire, or the narrator's own inner conflict. The utilization of a name that sounds like "caroline" could also serve as a representation of familiar comfort or stability.

Overall, the lyrics of "What If I Do" delve into the complexities of relationships, uncertainty, and the struggle to make choices that have the potential to impact one's own identity and happiness.