Whatcha Gonna Do

Pablo Cruise's song 'Whatcha Gonna Do' delves into the emotional turmoil and self-reflection that accompanies the end of a romantic relationship. The repetitive questioning in the chorus, 'Whatcha gonna do when she says goodbye / Whatcha gonna do when she is gone,' underscores the inevitability and finality of the breakup. This repetition not only emphasizes the looming sense of loss but also forces the listener to confront their own feelings and potential reactions to such a situation.

The verses provide a narrative of someone who is struggling with their romance and is perhaps in denial about the state of their relationship. The lyrics, 'Well you better check it out before it goes / 'Cause you may not be seein' / Things just the way you should,' suggest a lack of awareness or understanding of the relationship's issues. This lack of recognition is further highlighted by the line, 'And you don't recognize what everybody knows,' indicating that the problems are apparent to everyone except the person involved.

As the song progresses, it touches on the themes of regret and realization. The lines, 'And all at once you're ready to hang it up / 'Cause things didn't turn out the way you planned,' reflect the sudden and often painful acknowledgment that the relationship is over. The mention of friends calling the protagonist a fool for not appreciating what they had, 'Cause you don't know a good thing / When you got it in your hands,' adds a layer of societal judgment and personal regret. This song serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of awareness and appreciation in relationships, and the emotional consequences of taking love for granted.