The song 'WHAT TO DO?' by JACKBOYS & Travis Scott featuring Don Toliver is centered around themes of hedonistic lifestyles, including substance abuse, romantic entanglements, and the stress of living in the fast lane. The track reflects a state of confusion and a struggle for direction in the midst of excess and celebrity life, couched in a trap beat with psychedelic influences, characteristic of Travis Scott's production style.
The emotional journey of 'WHAT TO DO?' starts with a sense of introspection and romantic interest amid a chaotic lifestyle. Travis Scott and Don Toliver paint a picture of an evening filled with intrigue and the potential of a new romantic connection, but this possibility is overshadowed by the artists' feelings of disarray and the impacts of their hedonistic practices.
As the chorus kicks in with 'Still fucked up... Don't know what to do,' it captures a feeling of being lost and under the control of one's own excesses. The artists express a sense of existential disorientation and the inability to find a clear path forward, which is exacerbated by their indulgences. The lyrics portray the constant battle between seeking meaningful connections and the recklessness of their lifestyle.
Don Toliver's verse alludes to consequences such as possible legal trouble, further accentuating the hazards of the high-stakes life they're leading. The references to Clyde Drexler and the act of gliding metaphorically highlight a desire for smooth navigation through life's challenges, yet they're juxtaposed with the turmoil mentioned elsewhere.
The song's bridge and outro emphasize a resistance to change, as the repetition of 'Still fucked up' serves as a mantra for the cyclical nature of their circumstances. Despite moments of clarity and the recognition of their situation, they find themselves continuously returning to this chaotic norm.
"Step with the three like Clyde, slide, slide"
Don Toliver is making a reference to NBA player Clyde 'The Glide' Drexler, using the imagery of Drexler's smooth playing style to describe his own approach to life or a situation.
"Always thought T was a rex, Never thought T was a wreck"
Travis Scott alludes to his initial impression of Don Toliver (referred to by the initial 'T'), affirming his belief in his strength and success, contrasting with any notion of him being a disaster or 'wreck'.
"Fuck the club up"
This line is a homage to the party anthem spirit often referenced in Travis Scott's tracks, including 'NO BYSTANDERS' from ASTROWORLD, and recalling Three 6 Mafia's 'Tear da club up '97'.
"But that's my better side"
This line could suggest the duality within one's character, with the artist acknowledging the existence of a 'better side' amidst the perceived chaos that surrounds them.