What Goes On

The Beatles' song 'What Goes On' delves into the emotional turmoil of a person grappling with feelings of betrayal and heartache. The lyrics poignantly ask, 'What goes on in your heart? What goes on in your mind?' These questions reflect the confusion and pain of someone who feels deeply hurt by the unkind treatment of a loved one. The repetition of these lines underscores the persistent and unresolved nature of the emotional distress experienced by the narrator.

The song paints a vivid picture of betrayal, as the narrator recounts seeing their partner with someone else, leading to a sense of a shattered future. The line 'I could feel my future fold' captures the devastating impact of this betrayal. The narrator's realization that 'it's so easy for a girl like you to lie' highlights the ease with which trust can be broken, further deepening the sense of betrayal and confusion.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of blindness and awakening. The narrator reflects on their past naivety with the line 'I can see that I was blind,' indicating a painful awakening to the reality of their partner's deceit. The song's emotional core is encapsulated in the repeated plea, 'Tell me why,' which conveys a desperate need for understanding and closure. The Beatles effectively use simple yet powerful lyrics to explore the complexities of love, trust, and betrayal, making 'What Goes On' a timeless reflection on the pain of unrequited love and the quest for answers in the face of heartache.