George Jones's song "What Am I Doing There" is a melancholic ballad that delves into the inner turmoil of a person torn between their present life and a past love. The lyrics depict the narrator feeling lost and confused, questioning their actions and decisions. The song suggests that the narrator has moved on to a new life and possibly a new relationship. However, they find themselves constantly haunted by memories of their past love. The metaphorical "door" that they have opened in their mind symbolizes their emotional attachment to the past. Despite being in a new relationship, the narrator yearns for what they once had with their previous partner. The chorus reflects the narrator's conflicting emotions. They question why they are holding onto the past, physically and emotionally, by reminiscing about the intimate moments shared with their previous lover. They acknowledge that their new life is where they should be, but they still can't let go of the past. The lyrics also highlight the burden of keeping this secret from their current partner. The fear of revealing their inner struggle and accidentally mentioning their past love in their sleep weighs heavily on their conscience. They express their worry about having to explain and justify their emotional turmoil if their secret slips out. Overall, "What Am I Doing There" explores the complex emotions that arise when someone tries to move on from a past love but finds themselves constantly pulled back into memories and dissatisfaction with their current situation. It portrays the internal struggle of the narrator as they question their choices and grapple with the consequences of not fully letting go of their past.
