"What's The Use?" by Jimmy Nail is a heartfelt song about a man reflecting on his past mistakes and the consequences he now has to face. The lyrics convey feelings of regret, sorrow, and realization of the pain he has caused. The song begins by expressing the aftermath of a broken relationship. The narrator admits to breaking his world in pieces the previous day, waking up to find his angel, his partner, gone astray. He reflects on his behavior, describing himself as loud, strong, and proud, but acknowledges that he was ultimately wrong in his actions. The narrator didn't anticipate the price he would have to pay for his mistakes. The following verse reveals that the narrator had made choices without fully considering the consequences. He did things he thought a man should do, attempting to break his partner's will. However, it is revealed that he ended up paying the bill instead. In other words, instead of only hurting the woman, he also caused himself pain. The chorus emphasizes the futility of asking where she has been or what she has done. The narrator acknowledges that he was the one who pushed her away in the first place, making such inquiries pointless. The repetition of this theme emphasizes his regret and realization of the damage he has caused. The bridge of the song calls out to the angel, symbolizing the narrator's former partner, pleading for forgiveness. He recognizes his wrongdoing and expresses a desire for redemption. Overall, "What's The Use?" tells a story of a man who made mistakes in his relationship and is now grappling with the consequences. The lyrics serve as a reflection on the choices made and the pain inflicted on both parties involved. It highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others and the aftermath of losing a loved one.
