What In The World

Rory Gallagher's song 'What In The World' delves deep into the emotional turmoil and confusion that follows a sudden breakup. The repetitive questioning in the lyrics, 'What in the world am I gonna do?' and 'Where in the world am I supposed to go?' highlights the protagonist's sense of loss and disorientation. This repetition serves to emphasize the depth of his despair and the overwhelming nature of his situation. The use of the word 'world' suggests that his entire existence has been shaken by the departure of his significant other.

The song paints a vivid picture of the protagonist's emotional state through its imagery. Lines like 'See me early in the morning, crying last thing at night' and 'Moaning last thing at night' convey a sense of continuous sorrow and sleepless nights. The protagonist's inability to 'do a thing right' further underscores his feelings of inadequacy and helplessness in the face of his loss. Gallagher's raw and emotive delivery of these lines adds to the authenticity of the heartbreak being portrayed.

Rory Gallagher, known for his blues-rock style, uses this song to tap into universal themes of love and loss. The bluesy undertones of the music complement the melancholic lyrics, creating a cohesive narrative of heartache. The song's structure, with its repetitive questioning and lamenting, mirrors the cyclical nature of grief and the struggle to find a way forward after a significant emotional upheaval. Gallagher's ability to convey such profound emotions through his music is a testament to his talent as a songwriter and performer.