What Do You Want Me To Say

The Dismemberment Plan's song "What Do You Want Me To Say" delves into the complexities and frustrations of communication within a strained relationship. The lyrics reflect a sense of alienation and confusion, as the narrator grapples with their inability to meet their partner's emotional needs. The opening lines, "I lost my membership card to the human race," suggest a feeling of disconnection and isolation, setting the tone for the rest of the song. This metaphor indicates that the narrator feels out of place and misunderstood, struggling to find common ground with their partner.

The song's chorus repeatedly asks, "What do you want me to say? What do you want me to do?" This repetition underscores the narrator's desperation and helplessness in trying to bridge the emotional gap. The lyrics highlight the difficulty of expressing genuine feelings and the frustration of not being able to communicate effectively. The line, "I see it coming from a million miles away," suggests a sense of inevitability and resignation, as if the narrator knows that their efforts to connect will ultimately fall short.

Throughout the song, there are references to the challenges of maintaining honesty and openness in a relationship. The lyrics, "Feelings are good, dishonesty is bad, and keeping it inside is worse still," emphasize the importance of emotional transparency. However, the narrator's struggle to cry at will or make their partner laugh for the right reasons reveals the deep-seated issues that hinder their connection. The song poignantly captures the pain of wanting to be understood and the difficulty of navigating emotional disconnect, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced similar struggles in their relationships.