The song “What I Had To Do” by Croy and the Boys dives deep into the protagonist’s life journey. It deals with the societal pressures and obligations and how these influences can dictate the trajectory of a person’s life.
The first verse sets the tone for the song by presenting a young person heading to college, not out of desire but out of perceived obligation. The protagonist expresses regret and dissatisfaction with this decision as it complicated his financial situation without significantly improving his quality of life. This can be seen as a critique of the societal norm that higher education is the only path to success, suggesting that individual choices and circumstances should be considered more.
In the subsequent verses, the protagonist continues on his journey following the norm. He gets a job, then a used car, then meets a woman. The relationship, similar to his previous life decisions, seems to be driven more by societal expectations than genuine affection or desire. This leads to an emotional disconnect, creating a narrative of a life lived not out of true desire but out of obligation.
When the protagonist becomes a father, the song brings forth an important theme of the struggle between personal contentment and familial obligation. The societal pressure of providing for his family forces him into a job he dislikes but pays more, symbolizing the sacrifices one often makes for the ones they love.
The song concludes with the protagonist, now older and alone, pondering his past decisions. His solitude serves as a stark contrast to his once active life filled with duties and obligations. The reflective tone of the final verse encourages listeners to consider their own life decisions and whether they are truly aligned with their passions or are merely manifestations of societal pressures.
Overall, “What I Had To Do” presents a poignant narrative of a life dictated by societal norms and obligations and the emotional disconnect that it can cause. It encourages introspection and challenges the listener to contemplate whether their life decisions are genuinely conceived out of personal desires or societal expectations.