Songfacts®:

• "What Do I Do" is a smorgasbord of emotional turmoil, wrapped up in a package of just over two-and-three-quarter minutes.
  
  The tale begins with a phone call, a spectacularly unfortunate butt dial made by SZA's lover while having sex with another woman. Caught in a particularly sticky flytrap of emotion, SZA cannot escape the gravitational pull of this relationship-ending revelation. The repeated question "What do I do?" in the refrain stresses her confusion and struggle to move forward.
• It's unclear whether "What Do I Do" is entirely fictional or based on a real-life event in SZA's life. SZA is known for writing deeply personal and introspective lyrics that often draw from her own experiences and emotions. However, she also has a talent for crafting vivid narratives that may blend real experiences with fictional elements.
  
  SZA has described her songwriting process as a form of honesty and self-expression. In a 2017 interview with Cosmopolitan, the singer mentioned that she started to "practice honesty just because it makes you feel better." This suggests that her lyrics often come from a place of personal truth.
• The track is part of Lana, the deluxe edition of SZA's 2022 blockbuster album SOS. Calling it a deluxe edition is technically true, but vastly understating the scale. With 15 new songs, Lana feels like an entire new album masquerading as a bonus offering.
• Carter Lang, ThankGod4Cody, Benny Blanco and Cashmere Cat produced the track.
  
  Carter Lang and ThankGod4Cody are two of SZA's go-to producers, contributing to multiple tracks on Lana. Blanco previously contributed to two SOS tracks, "Nobody Gets Me" and "Special." This is Cashmere Cat's first production for SZA.
  
  Benny Blanco and Cashmere Cat have previously worked together on hits for the likes of Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez and Halsey. They reined in their pop instincts for "What Do I Do" to help create a haunting atmosphere that complements SZA's vulnerable vocal delivery.