The song "What I Do" by Harem Scarem depicts the struggle of a person who suffers from mental illness. The speaker reminds themselves that it's only life, but they struggle to remember what they are doing in a room. The padded walls of their surroundings numb the sound and alter the voices that tell them to do things they know they shouldn't do. The speaker's doctors are worried that without their medication, they may become violent. The speaker confirms that they would do what they are told to do, despite their better judgment, if not for their pills. Despite their doctors' efforts, the speaker is unable to get a handle on their mental illness and feels like they are constantly fighting to hold on to some semblance of sanity. They undergo various tests and challenges, such as staring at blotches for hours, but they keep failing. The song portrays the struggle of those who suffer from mental illness and the difficulties they encounter in trying to manage their condition. The speaker seeks help and understanding, hoping that someone can help them explain what they are going through.
