I Can't Stand It
- Eric Clapton Lyrics


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You've been told, so maybe it's time that you learned
You've been sold, maybe it's time that you earned

I can't stand it
You're fooling around, I can't stand it
You're running around, I can't stand it
You're fooling around with my heart
I'll explain, Ifeel like i'm being used
Make it plain, so you don't get confused

I can't stand it
You're fooling around, I can't stand it
You're running around, I can't stand it
You're fooling around with my heart

I can't stand it
You're running around, I can't stand it
You're fooling around, I can't stand it
You're playing around with my heart

It's time, time for me to let you know
Ain't no crime, no crime to let your feelings show

I can't stand it
You're fooling around, I can't stand it
You're playing around, I can't stand it
You're fooling around I can't stand it
You're running around, I can't stand it
You're playing around, I can't stand it
You're fooling around I can't stand it
You're running around, I can't stand it
You're running around, I can't stand it
Running around, I can't stand it
You're fooling around I can't stand it
Playing around, I can't stand it
You're fooling around with my heart
You're fooling around with my heart
My heart
Running around
Fooling around with my heart
Fooling around, I can't stand it
Running around, I can't stand it
Fooling around I can't stand it
Fooling around I can't stand it
Fooling around I can't stand it
Running around I can't stand it
Fooling around I can't stand it
Running around
Running around
Running around




Running around
Running around

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eric Clapton’s “I Can’t Stand It” describe the frustration and pain the singer feels due to his lover’s unfaithfulness. The song starts with the singer addressing his lover about how she has been “told” and “sold” into believing that she can get away with cheating on him. He feels used and angry, as he cannot bear the thought of her running around with another man. The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase “I can’t stand it,” which conveys the intensity of the singer’s emotions. He is at his wit's end and feels like he can’t take it anymore.


The second verse is the singer’s attempt to explain how he feels about the situation, so his lover doesn't get confused. He believes that it’s time for him to let her know how he feels and that there is no crime in sharing one's feelings. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, and the singer’s declaration that his lover is “fooling around with [his] heart.”


Overall, the lyrics of “I Can’t Stand It” convey the emotional pain of being cheated on in a relationship. The repetition of the chorus highlights the intensity of the singer’s emotions, as he is unable to tolerate the constant emotional turmoil caused by his lover’s infidelity.


Line by Line Meaning

You've been told, so maybe it's time that you learned
You have been informed, it might be appropriate for you to acquire knowledge


You've been sold, maybe it's time that you earned
You have been convinced, it might be appropriate for you to work for something


I can't stand it You're fooling around, I can't stand it You're running around, I can't stand it You're fooling around with my heart
I cannot tolerate it that you are being unfaithful and playing with my emotions


I'll explain, I feel like I'm being used Make it plain, so you don't get confused
I will clarify, I think you are taking advantage of me Make it clear, so you do not misunderstand


You're playing around with my heart It's time, time for me to let you know Ain't no crime, no crime to let your feelings show
You are toying with my emotions The moment has come for me to confront you It is not a wrongdoing to express your emotions


Running around, I can't stand it You're fooling around I can't stand it Playing around, I can't stand it You're fooling around with my heart You're fooling around with my heart My heart Running around Fooling around with my heart Fooling around, I can't stand it Running around, I can't stand it Fooling around I can't stand it Fooling around I can't stand it Fooling around I can't stand it Running around I can't stand it Fooling around I can't stand it Running around Running around Running around Running around Running around
Repetitive chorus emphasizing the frustration and anger towards the unfaithful behavior and the emotional toll it takes




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC PATRICK CLAPTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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