If I Can't Have You
Longing Echoes: Unrequited Love's Melancholy in 'If I Can't Have You'
Lyrics
Don't know why I'm surviving ev'ry lonely day
Expressing confusion about why the speaker continues to endure each lonely day.
When there's got to be no chance for me
Feeling that there is no hope or possibility for the speaker in a particular situation.
My life would end
Conveying a sense that life would be over without a specific person or thing.
And it doesn't matter how I cry
Regardless of how much the speaker cries, it seems to have no impact or significance.
My tears of love a waste of time
Suggesting that the tears shed for love are futile and do not contribute to any positive outcome.
If I turn away
Considering the option of turning away from a situation or person.
Can't let go and it doesn't matter how I try
Unable to detach emotionally, despite efforts, and the struggle is futile.
I gave it all so easily to you my love
Highlighting the ease with which the speaker gave everything to their love interest.
To dreams that never will come true
Referring to dreams that are unlikely to be realized or fulfilled.
Am I strong enough to see it through
Questioning one's strength to endure a challenging situation.
Go crazy is what I will do
Expressing a willingness to go to extremes or behave irrationally due to emotional distress.
Am I strong enough to see it through?
Repeating the question of whether the speaker is strong enough to face the situation.
Go crazy is what I will do
Reiterating the willingness to go to extremes if the desired outcome is not achieved.
If I can't have you, I don't want no other, baby
Stating that the speaker does not desire anyone else if they can't have the specific person in question.
If I can't have you, uh huh, ah!
Emphasizing the sentiment of not wanting anyone else if the desired person is unattainable.
If I can't have you, I don't want no other, baby
Repeating the declaration that no other person is desired if the specific person cannot be had.
If I can't have you, uh huh, ah!
Reiterating the sentiment of not desiring anyone else if the desired person is unattainable.
And it doesn't matter how I try;
Repeating the idea that efforts are in vain, regardless of how hard the speaker tries.
I gave it all too easily to you, my love
Echoing the notion of giving everything easily to the love interest, with no positive outcome.
To dream and never will come true
Referencing dreams that are unlikely to come true, emphasizing a sense of hopelessness.
Am I strong enough to see it through?
Pondering one's strength to endure and overcome the challenges posed by the situation.
Go crazy is what I will do
Expressing a willingness to behave irrationally or go to extremes if unable to have the desired person.
If I can't have you, I don't want no other, baby
Reiterating the sentiment of not desiring anyone else if the desired person is unattainable.
If I can't have you, uh huh, ah!
Emphasizing the idea of not wanting anyone else if the specific person cannot be had.
If I can't have you, I don't want no other, baby
Repeating the declaration that no other person is desired if the specific person cannot be had.
If I can't have you, uh huh, ah!
Reiterating the sentiment of not desiring anyone else if the desired person is unattainable.
(If I can't have you)
Concluding with the repetition of the central theme, emphasizing the strong desire for the specific person.
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