Meaning of "What You Waiting For?" by Lily Allen

The lyrics of "What You Waiting For?" explore the emotional aftermath of a breakup, with Lily Allen expressing remorse and reflection on her actions. The song begins with Allen feeling suffocated after the separation, but initially finding some solace in the newfound freedom and empty space in her head. However, as time passes, she becomes aware of the consequences of her actions. She hears rumors about her ex-partner being with someone else, which shakes her and makes her question her decision to leave. The realization that someone else may have taken her place in his life causes her heart to sink and leads to her questioning her own thought process.

Allen admits to herself that she turned a strong man weak, bringing him to his knees. She is hopeful that he will forgive her, but she is also aware that she cannot expect him to wait forever for her to make up her mind. The repeated line, "What you waiting for? You'll never be sure," represents the uncertainty and indecisiveness that Allen grapples with. She is torn between wanting to be with her ex-partner again and not wanting to continue hurting him by swinging back and forth in her emotions.

The lyrics also touch on regret and a longing to go back in time and change her actions. Allen acknowledges that she was untrue and acknowledges the pain she caused her ex-partner. She wonders how he would feel if she confessed that she still loves him. This hint of vulnerability shows that Allen is not immune to the consequences of her actions. The line "I ran at the first sign of trouble" suggests that she may have a pattern of avoiding difficult situations in relationships.

Overall, "What You Waiting For?" delves into the complexities of post-breakup emotions, regret, and the struggle to find clarity. It showcases Allen's introspection and the realization that solitude, which initially felt liberating, can also be overrated. The song grapples with the conflicting emotions of wanting forgiveness and reconciliation while acknowledging the damage caused. It speaks to the human tendency to yearn for what was lost and the difficulty of making decisions in matters of the heart.