I Can Tell
Love's Farewell: Decoding Van Morrison's 'I Can Tell'
Lyrics
I can tell 'cause it's plain to see
I can perceive the situation clearly
I can tell the way you look at me
I can discern your feelings towards me from the way you gaze at me
Well the way you smile and hold my hand
Observing your smile and the way you hold my hand
Hey, pretty baby, I understand
Addressing the person affectionately and expressing understanding
I can tell, I can tell
Reiteration of the ability to perceive the change in the relationship
I know you don't love me no more
Acknowledging the apparent lack of love from the other person
Ask your Mama and tell your Papa too
Suggesting to consult with family members about the situation
Just what more can a poor boy do
Expressing the limited options or actions available to a disadvantaged person
You been runnin' up and down with Charlie Brown
Noting the involvement with someone named Charlie Brown
Hey, pretty baby, you done put me down
Expressing disappointment and feeling rejected
I can tell, I can tell
Reiterating the ability to perceive the emotional distance
I know you don't love me no more, no more
Affirming the belief that the other person no longer loves
Uh you won't answer your telephone
Noticing a lack of response to phone calls
Well I knock on your door, they say you're not at home
Being informed that the person is not at home when attempting to visit
And your sister let me and told me to wait
Being told by a sister to wait for the person to return
When you come home, you show up late
Observing the person arriving home late
Well, I can tell, I can tell
Reiterating the ability to perceive the diminishing love
I know you don't love me no more, no more baby
Reaffirming the belief that the other person no longer loves
I can tell 'cause it's plain to see
Repeating the earlier observation of perceiving the situation clearly
I can tell the way you look at me
Reiterating the ability to discern feelings through visual cues
Well the way you smile and hold my hand
Emphasizing the understanding gained from the person's smile and gestures
Hey, pretty baby, I understand now
Acknowledging the comprehension of the other person's emotions
I can tell, I can tell
Reiteration of the ability to perceive the diminishing love
I know you don't love me no more
Affirming the belief that the other person no longer loves
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