I Can't Remember
Lost Love's Echo: Unraveling the Departure in Connie Smith's Ballad
Lyrics
It was late and I was sleeping when he called
The speaker was asleep when someone called.
And I can't remember much he said at all
The speaker has a fuzzy memory of what was said during the call.
Just that he was leaving town and must get off the phone
The caller mentioned leaving town and abruptly ended the call.
I can't remember when he told me he'd be home
The speaker can't recall when the caller said they'd return.
Did he say Sunday noon or one day soon
The speaker is uncertain whether the departure was on a specific Sunday or sometime in the future.
I think he left with them but what if he said am
The speaker questions if the departure was in the morning.
Did they go to meet the train or leave to catch a plane
The speaker is unsure whether the departure was to meet a train or catch a plane.
I can't remember but I can't forget he's gone
The speaker can't forget that the person is gone, despite forgetting details of the departure.
So I telephoned his house and asked his Mom
The speaker contacted the caller's mother seeking information.
If she'd knew where her little boy had gone
The speaker asked the mother about the caller's whereabouts.
I know she must have told me and I heard her loud and clear
The mother likely provided information, but the speaker can only recall feeling upset.
But I can't remember anything but tears
Despite the mother's response, the speaker's memory is clouded by sadness.
Did she say fishing trip or he gave you the slip
The speaker wonders if the departure was for a fishing trip or to leave without notice.
Is he off to see the world or to see another girl
The speaker questions if the departure was to explore the world or to see someone else romantically.
Did she say he took the car or what a fool you are
Uncertainty whether the caller took the car or if the speaker is being criticized for something.
I can't remember but I can't forget he's gone
Despite the uncertainty, the speaker can't forget the absence of the person.
I can't remember but I can't forget he's gone
The speaker reiterates the inability to forget that the person is gone despite the lack of clear memories.
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