Meaning of "Whereabouts" by Stevie Wonder

The lyrics of "Whereabouts" delve into themes of loss, longing, and nostalgia. The missing person represents someone who has had a significant impact on the narrator's life, as indicated by the line "The reflection of a broken man who looked somewhat like me." This missing person could be a lover, a close friend, or even a part of the narrator's own identity. The search for the missing one symbolizes the narrator's quest for meaning and purpose in their life.

The repeated question of "Where is the missing one, the missing one" emphasizes the desperation and confusion the narrator feels. They are unsure of how long the person has been gone, which highlights the sense of disconnection and disorientation they experience. The line "My whereabouts are somewhere in yesterday with you" suggests that the narrator's identity and sense of self are intertwined with this missing person and their past experiences together. They believe that by finding their whereabouts, they will be able to regain their own sense of identity and happiness.

The journey to find their whereabouts takes the narrator through memories and photographs, both of which hold sentimental value. However, even these reminders of joy and happiness are not enough to fill the void left by the missing person. This highlights the depth of their longing and the emptiness they feel in their current state.

The repetition of the lines "What shall I do when nothing seems to follow through" and "I'm turning blue" expresses the narrator's frustration and emotional anguish. They are desperate for answers and resolution, but seem to be trapped in a cycle of searching and feeling lost. The color blue is often associated with sadness and melancholy, further emphasizing the narrator's emotional state.

In the end, the narrator finds a glimmer of hope in the idea that their whereabouts may be lost in the past with the missing person. This suggests that they still hold onto the memories and experiences shared with this person, finding solace in the nostalgia and the possibility of reconnecting with their former happiness. The search for their whereabouts becomes not just a physical quest, but also an emotional journey to rediscover themselves through their past connection.