About the song
Released in 1965, “What Am I Gonna Do With You” is a heartfelt, introspective ballad by Lesley Gore, one of the most influential pop artists of the 1960s. Known for her powerful voice and songs that captured the emotions and complexities of teenage love, Lesley Gore continued her streak of memorable hits with this track, which appeared on her album Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts.
Song Meaning and Themes
The song, much like many of Gore’s hits, deals with the complexities of romantic relationships, especially the uncertainty and confusion that can come with them. In “What Am I Gonna Do With You”, the protagonist is confronted with the emotional turmoil of not knowing how to handle a relationship that has gone awry. The lyrics convey feelings of frustration, yearning, and vulnerability, as the singer wonders what she can do with a love that seems to be slipping away.
The song’s message resonates with the struggles of young love, which was a prevalent theme in many of Lesley Gore’s songs. In this particular track, there is a sense of helplessness mixed with emotional insight, which allows listeners, especially young women, to connect with the song on a personal level. The rawness of Gore’s delivery adds emotional depth to the song, making it not just another pop tune, but an expression of the emotional experiences that everyone faces in love and relationships.
Musical Style and Performance
Musically, “What Am I Gonna Do With You” is marked by its lush orchestration and smooth production, characteristic of the mid-1960s pop ballad. The arrangement combines elements of easy listening with a dramatic flair, drawing from the sophisticated pop sounds of the time. Lesley Gore’s vocal performance is emotional and restrained, effectively capturing the song’s themes of uncertainty and emotional conflict.
While not as upbeat as some of her earlier hits like “It’s My Party”, the song shows a different side of Gore’s artistry, as she embraces a more mature and reflective perspective on relationships. Her voice, as always, is clear and evocative, effortlessly conveying the heartache and confusion conveyed in the lyrics.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
At the time of its release, “What Am I Gonna Do With You” continued to solidify Lesley Gore’s place as one of the premier female pop stars of the 1960s. Her ability to tap into the emotions of young audiences, especially women, helped her establish a devoted following. The song’s reflection on the complexities of love resonated deeply with the youth culture of the era, contributing to her lasting appeal.
While the song did not achieve the same chart-topping success as some of her earlier songs, it remains an important part of Lesley Gore’s legacy, representing her versatility as an artist. Unlike many of her contemporaries who focused solely on pop or upbeat tracks, Gore’s willingness to explore more emotionally nuanced songs made her stand out as an artist who could capture the heartache and joy of life’s experiences.
The influence of “What Am I Gonna Do With You” can still be felt today. It paved the way for later generations of female singers who used pop music as a platform for expressing emotional depth and complexity, including artists like Carole King and Helen Reddy. The song also serves as a reminder of the rich emotional landscape that pop music was able to explore during the 1960s, and how Lesley Gore played a key role in shaping this era of music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “What Am I Gonna Do With You” remains a standout example of Lesley Gore’s ability to blend emotional complexity with mainstream appeal. Released during the height of her career, the song captures the bittersweet emotions of young love with grace and insight. While Lesley Gore is often remembered for her more famous hits, “What Am I Gonna Do With You” proves that her talent extended far beyond the boundaries of catchy pop tunes, allowing her to leave a lasting legacy as one of the most unique and enduring voices of the 1960s pop music scene.
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Lyrics
Someone who says she’s my friendTold me you’ve been untrue againOh you still haven’t learned it’s wrong toHurt the girl that you belong toWhat am I gonna do with you, hey baby?You said you’d stop running aroundAnd once again you’ve let me downOh I guess I’m just a girl to stay withTo see what you can get away withWhat am I gonna do with you, hey baby?Do you know how bad I feel when you treat me the way you do?I don’t think you’d like it too much if I did the same thing to youDo you know how bad I feel?If I’d done the smart thing, I knowI would have left you long agoBut even knowing what I know about youI still don’t wanna live without youWhat am I gonna do with you, hey baby?Oh what am I gonna do with you, hey baby?Hey babyHey baby