The song "Tell Me What You're Gonna Do" by Phyllis Hyman expresses the narrator's frustration and yearning for love and attention from their partner. The lyrics reflect the narrator's plea for their partner to show them affection and commitment. The song starts with the narrator admitting that they haven't heard from their partner and expressing the need for them to reciprocate the same desire. They express uncertainty about whether their partner truly wants them and question if they can ever have a future together. The chorus emphasizes the narrator's desperation, asking their partner to reveal their intentions and promising to support them if they genuinely want to be with them. They are willing to do anything for their partner if they treat them right. As the song progresses, the narrator asserts their independence and declares that they are leaving the situation. They state that they have a life of their own and cannot handle the pain and loneliness that the lack of attention brings. They urge their partner to be good to them and not make them wait too long for their love and commitment. The lyrics continue to plead for clarity and affection from the partner, as the narrator expresses the confusion and loss of direction in their relationship. They yearn for the partner to show them affection and protect their heart from the loneliness that they feel inside. The song concludes with a call for the partner to communicate their intentions and demonstrate their love. The narrator insists that they need to know and be shown that their partner truly wants them. They warn that if they are mistreated, they will not hesitate to move on. Overall, "Tell Me What You're Gonna Do" is a heartfelt and emotional plea for love and clarity in a relationship. It showcases the narrator's vulnerability and longing for affection, while also showcasing their strength in asserting their needs and boundaries.
