"The Joy Formidable's song 'What For' is a reflective and introspective track that explores themes of uncertainty, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and confusion, as the protagonist navigates through life's challenges and wonders about the purpose behind it all. The opening lines, "Across all this land, I can't see what's real, And the sun has bleached, the wind has bent, What you were feeling," suggest a loss of clarity and a struggle to understand reality. The mention of the sun bleaching and the wind bending could symbolize the passage of time and its effects on perceptions and emotions. The chorus, "Is this the way it goes, Turning nothing into waterfalls, Sink in the heavy flow, I can't deny what the shore will wash up, I'm waiting, I'm waiting what for," expresses a sense of frustration and confusion. The protagonist questions the cyclical nature of life and wonders if there is more to it than the constant ebb and flow. They are in a state of anticipation, waiting for something meaningful to happen. As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into the struggles of trying to find one's place in the world. The line, "'Cause I've been good and bad, Why don't you run the mountain, And let go of the path," suggests a desire to break free from societal expectations and explore new possibilities. The protagonist seeks a different path, one that may lead to self-discovery and fulfillment. The bridge of the song introduces a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. It talks about staying true to oneself ("Take your bleeding heart, And go back to the start, I'm staying here") and finding strength in adversity ("I'm down on my luck, but I know which way's up"). It suggests that even though the journey may be challenging, there is power in resilience and staying true to one's own values. The song concludes with the lines, "And when the bridges fall, And the sun it fades, I see the burning lake, Oh that's you and me, I see we're all the same, Just waiting, just waiting what for." These lyrics reflect a realization that, despite individual struggles, there is a shared human experience of waiting and searching. The burning lake could symbolize the intensity and passion with which we all seek answers and purpose. In summary, 'What For' by The Joy Formidable is a contemplative song that explores the universal quest for meaning and self-discovery. It acknowledges the struggles and uncertainty that come with this journey while emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and finding hope amidst the chaos."
