What Do You Want the Girl to Do?

The overall theme of "What Do You Want the Girl to Do?" revolves around unrequited love and longing. The woman in the song is deeply in love, but her partner seems to be careless with her feelings. She’s patient, hoping he’ll realize her worth. It highlights the emotional toll that comes with trying to love someone who is not fully committed.

Verse 1

So you think the woman's crazy
She eat up your lies
Like it's good, your lies like apple pie
She don't even cry
She is not a fool
She's just tryin' to do what her heart says to
To love you

This verse sets the stage for the woman's experience. The man thinks she’s crazy for believing his lies, comparing them to something sweet like apple pie. It shows how she’s been misled but still clings to her feelings. She’s not naive; she’s simply following her heart. It paints a picture of a love that’s hopeful yet fragile.

Chorus

As you take to the wind
To the wind again she breaks down
As she breaks down within
Within, within, within

The chorus emphasizes the woman's pain as she waits for the man to recognize her love. “Take to the wind” suggests that he often leaves, leaving her heartbroken. The repetition of “within” hints at her internal struggle and deep sorrow. It’s a powerful reminder of how love can hurt when it's not reciprocated.

Verse 2

She waits for you patiently
Hopin' that someday you'll see
That all she really wants to be
Is yours and yours alone, eternally

In this verse, her patience shines through. She’s hopeful and longs for a day when he’ll understand her desire for commitment. The idea of wanting to be “yours and yours alone” shows her deep yearning for a genuine connection. It reveals her vulnerability as she puts her heart on the line, waiting for him to notice.

Chorus

What do you want the girl to do?
Don't you know, you're breakin' the child in two?
What do you want the girl to do?
All she really wants is you

Here, the chorus repeats, but it carries more weight. The question, “What do you want the girl to do?” feels like a desperate plea. The line about breaking “the child in two” suggests that her innocence and joy are being shattered by his actions. It reinforces her longing for love and security.

Verse 3

She knows what you are
Still she'll be your queen if you let her
Will you say the word today
And build your world around her

This verse showcases her strength and willingness to accept him despite knowing his flaws. She believes she can be his “queen,” which shows her desire to be valued. The line “build your world around her” highlights her hope for a future together. It’s a moment of empowerment mixed with vulnerability.

Chorus

Now and then you'll promise
All the way-out things you're goin' to get her
You will see, you will see, [Incomprehensible] she knows better
You're so damn glad you found her, found her free to go

In this chorus, the tone shifts slightly. There’s a realization that promises often fade. She’s aware of his empty words, and it’s clear she’s not fooled anymore. The line about being “free to go” hints that she knows she deserves better than just promises. It’s a moment of clarity for her.

Bridge

As she watched you come and go for your show
And as she watched your promises erode
She waits for you patiently
Hopin' that someday you'll see

The bridge captures the cycle of hope and disappointment. She’s seen him come and go, which makes her feel even more alone. Watching his promises “erode” emphasizes the pain of unfulfilled expectations. Despite all this, she still waits, showcasing her depth of feeling and resilience.

Outro

What do you want the girl to do?
Can't you see, you're breakin' the child in two?
What do you want the girl to do?

The song closes with a repetition of the earlier questions, driving home her frustration and sadness. It feels like a final cry for attention and understanding. The emotional weight lingers, leaving us with a sense of her ongoing struggle for love and recognition.

Closing Thoughts

"What Do You Want the Girl to Do?" is a moving exploration of love, patience, and heartache. It shows how deeply one can feel for someone who doesn’t fully appreciate them. Through its relatable lyrics and heartfelt delivery, we see the complexity of love and the pain that comes when feelings aren’t reciprocated. It’s a reminder to value those who love us and to recognize their worth.