Meaning of "What You're Doing" by Rush

The lyrics of "What You're Doing" convey a sense of frustration and annoyance towards someone who exhibits controlling behavior. The speaker observes this person standing with their finger in the air, indicating their desire to have control over every aspect of their lives. The speaker questions their sense of entitlement, asking who they think they are and suggesting that they believe they have the power to run the town and put others down. The repeated phrase "you think that you're right" highlights the person's arrogance and belief in their own superiority. The speaker criticizes their actions, implying that they are deceptive and lacking authenticity when they claim to have been trying. The line "I think you need some groovin'" suggests that the speaker believes this person needs to loosen up and embrace a more relaxed and open-minded approach to life. The lyrics further express the speaker's frustration with the person's behavior, repeatedly asking why they have to make everyone around them uptight. The speaker confronts the person, implying that they have been doing something wrong and that their actions have caused tension and discomfort. The repeated line "I don't know what you're feeling, but you've been feeling long" suggests that the person's negative behavior has been ongoing for a significant amount of time, further emphasizing the speaker's frustration. Overall, the lyrics serve as a critique of controlling and manipulative behavior, calling for the person to change their ways by either communicating more effectively or walking away from the situation.