What'll I Do

Nat King Cole's rendition of 'What'll I Do' is a poignant exploration of longing and heartache. The song, originally written by Irving Berlin, captures the essence of separation and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The lyrics are a series of rhetorical questions that express the singer's deep sense of loss and uncertainty about the future without their loved one. The repeated question, 'What'll I do?' underscores the helplessness and despair felt in the absence of a significant other.

The song's simplicity in its lyrical structure allows the raw emotion to shine through. Lines like 'What'll I do when you are far away and I'm so blue?' and 'What'll I do with just a photograph to tell my troubles to?' highlight the loneliness and the futile attempts to find solace in memories. The photograph symbolizes a tangible connection to the past, yet it is insufficient to fill the void left by the loved one's absence. This imagery is powerful, as it conveys the idea that memories, while precious, cannot replace the presence of a loved one.

Nat King Cole's smooth and emotive vocal delivery adds another layer of depth to the song. His ability to convey vulnerability and sorrow makes the listener feel the weight of the singer's heartache. The interlude in the song provides a moment of reflection, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the singer's thoughts and feelings. The repetition of the final lines, 'When I'm alone with only dreams of you that won't come true, what'll I do?' leaves the listener with a lingering sense of unresolved longing, making the song a timeless expression of love and loss.