If He Can't Have You
Unrequited Longing: A Tale of Unattainable Love
Lyrics
Hang a picture up on your wall
Putting up a picture on the wall as a symbolic act of remembrance or significance.
Tighten all the nails so it don't fall
Ensuring the picture is securely hung, suggesting a desire for permanence.
In this picture, could have been a picture of my face
The picture could have represented a moment with the singer's face, possibly a memory.
Something painful, went and took it's place
Something painful has replaced the positive memory, indicating a shift or loss.
If he can't have you, guess that no one else will
If the person addressed in the song can't be with the singer, then no one else should have them either.
Watch him think a while, smoke a cigarette and smile as I frown
Observing someone else's contemplation while the singer expresses emotions of sadness or disappointment.
If he can't have you, guess that no one else will
Reiteration of the sentiment that if the person can't be with the singer, they shouldn't be with anyone else.
Watch him think a while, smoke a cigarette and smile as I frown
Similar to line 6, emphasizing the conflicting emotions of the singer and the observed person.
Drink your coffee in the morning,
Suggesting a routine activity of drinking coffee in the morning, a mundane aspect of daily life.
And at night, go and drink your beer
The person also drinks beer at night, possibly as a coping mechanism or for recreation.
All along you don't feel so welcome here
Feeling unwelcome in the environment or relationship, indicated by the lack of comfort.
And I walk by, and you steer clear
The singer's presence causes the other person to avoid interaction, suggesting tension.
You always said, it'd come passionate here
Recalling a promise or expectation of passion that has not materialized.
Don't like what you see, you don't like what you hear
The person is dissatisfied with what they see and hear, expressing discontent.
If he can't have you, guess that no one else will
Reiteration of the possessive desire that if the person can't be with the singer, they shouldn't be with anyone else.
Watch him think a while, smoke a cigarette and smile as I frown
Observing the other person's contemplation and contrasting emotions, emphasizing the singer's emotional state.
If he can't have you, guess that no one else will
Repetition of the idea that if the person can't be with the singer, they shouldn't be with anyone else.
Watch him think a while, smoke a cigarette and smile as I frown
Reiteration of the conflicting emotions, emphasizing the contrast between the observed person's smile and the singer's frown.
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