I Can't Help Loving That Man
Bjork Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Fish got to swim, birds got to fly
I got to love one man 'til I die
can't help loving that man of mine

Maybe he's lazy, maybe he's slow
maybe I'm crazy, maybe I know
can't help loving that man of mine

And when he's away
that's a rainy day
but when he's back
the day is fine - the sun will shine

He can stay out as long as can be

home without him ain't no home for me
can't help loving that man of mine

Overall Meaning

Björk's song "I Can't Help Loving That Man" is a cover of the classic tune from the 1927 musical "Show Boat". The song expresses an irrational and deeply passionate love for a man who maybe lazy, slow, or even a little crazy, but stil remains irresistible. Björk's powerful and emotive voice captures the raw energy of this song and the urgency of the singer's need for her man.

The lyrics present a sense of inevitability that the singer cannot fight- she must love this man until she dies, despite his flaws. The metaphor of fish and birds doing what comes naturally to them and her own natural inclination towards loving this man helps to suggest that her feelings for him cannot be altered. This love is so strong that when the Man is away, it's like a rainy day, everything seems to go wrong, but when he's back, the sunshine returned.

The song's lyrics can be interpreted to describe an unhealthy relationship. The singer is so dependent on her man that she cannot function properly without his presence. However, at the time this song was written, it was a reflection of the societal attitudes towards marriage and love. Therefore, it was acceptable for women to be dependent on their husbands.

Line by Line Meaning

Fish got to swim, birds got to fly
Nature has its set patterns and rules, and similarly, it is only natural for me to love one man till death.

I got to love one man 'til I die
It is inevitable that I will love this man for the rest of my life.

can't help loving that man of mine
Despite any flaws or challenges, my love for him cannot be helped or diminished.

Maybe he's lazy, maybe he's slow
He may have his shortcomings or imperfections, but they don't change the fact that I love him.

maybe I'm crazy, maybe I know
Others may judge my love for him, but I know how I feel and can't deny it.

can't help loving that man of mine
My love for him is unwavering despite any uncertainties or doubts.

And when he's away
When he's not with me,

that's a rainy day
it feels like a gloomy or sad time.

but when he's back
But when he returns,

the day is fine - the sun will shine
Everything becomes bright and better, and I feel content with him by my side.

He can stay out as long as can be
No matter how long he stays away,