I Could Never Be That Man
Blue Rodeo Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've got my reasons for holding back

Can't give my trust too fast

I've pulled myself out of the wreck
Too many times

To think that words can last



You need someone to help you


When you're down

Pick you like a pearl from the sand
Somebody who is devoted to you

Right beside you when you take a stand
I could never be that man




You have a special shrine in your room


Pictures of lovers on the wall
I loved to lie there and look into their eyes

So confident before you let them fall


Will you tell me please



How you get them off their knees
Twirling round you fast as they can
How did you know

That it worries me so


Not the ones who fall the ones who stand
Oh I could never be that man


I still remember that time in my life



When I was sinking so low
You stayed with me all through the night


Sang me some songs you know



Now as time goes on

I wonder what went wrong

Didn't I fit into your little plan

Couldn't I be the one
You lay your troubles on

Walk you to the edge and hold your hand


Pick you like a pearl from the sand





I'll open every doorway that I can
Oh I could never be that man

Overall Meaning

In "I Could Never Be That Man," Blue Rodeo explores a theme of trust and devotion in a relationship. The singer of the song admits to holding back in a relationship and being cautious about giving their trust too quickly. They have been hurt and let down in the past, and so they are skeptical of the idea that words alone can make a relationship last. On the other hand, the partner being addressed in the song seems to be someone who is looking for a devoted partner, someone who will be there to support them when they are down, and someone who is committed to them in tough times. The partner is looking for someone who is devoted, someone who can pick them up when they have fallen, someone who can support them as they take a stand. However, the singer realizes that they could never be that man, the one this partner is looking for. It's almost as if the singer is envious of this type of devotion in a relationship, but they also recognize that it's not something they are capable of, at least not yet.


The second verse highlights the differences between the singer and their partner. The partner seems to be someone who is very confident and has a lot of lovers who they can toy with, but this makes the singer insecure. They are worried about not being able to measure up to the partner's other lovers and about being hurt again. They fear that they will never be as confident or as able to take a stand in the way the partner needs them to. However, there is still a sense of love there. The singer remembers a time when they were really down, and the partner stayed with them all night, singing them songs to help them through. It's almost as if the singer wants to be that person for their partner, but they don't know how. The song ends with the singer stating they will open every doorway they can but still cannot promise to be the partner's devoted man.


Overall, "I Could Never Be That Man" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of relationships, trust, and devotion. The song highlights the differences between partners and the importance of being able to support one another, but it also recognizes that sometimes people are not capable of the type of love that their partners need.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got my reasons for holding back
I'm cautious with my trust due to past experiences.


Can't give my trust too fast
I need time to build trust with someone.


I've pulled myself out of the wreck
I've overcome personal struggles.


Too many times
I've had to pick myself up many times before.


To think that words can last
Words can be unreliable or fleeting.


You need someone to help you
Everyone needs support sometimes.


When you're down
Especially when you're struggling emotionally.


Pick you like a pearl from the sand
Find and cherish the best in someone.


Somebody who is devoted to you
A loyal and dedicated companion.


Right beside you when you take a stand
Supportive even when things get tough.


I could never be that man
I don't feel capable of being that supportive.


You have a special shrine in your room
You have a space dedicated to love.


Pictures of lovers on the wall
Reminders of past relationships.


I loved to lie there and look into their eyes
I enjoyed reminiscing about old love.


So confident before you let them fall
Relationships can end suddenly despite initial confidence.


Will you tell me please
Can you explain something to me?


How you get them off their knees
How you win over people who are vulnerable.


Twirling round you fast as they can
Quickly falling for you.


How did you know
How did you realize?


That it worries me so
That I'm concerned about this behavior.


Not the ones who fall the ones who stand
I'm more worried about people who stand their ground than those who fall for you.


Oh I could never be that man
I don't want to manipulate or hurt people.


I still remember that time in my life
I have memories of a difficult time.


When I was sinking so low
When I was struggling the most.


You stayed with me all through the night
You were there for me when I needed you.


Sang me some songs you know
You helped ease my mind with music.


Now as time goes on
As more time passes.


I wonder what went wrong
I question why things are different now.


Didn't I fit into your little plan
Did I not meet your expectations?


Couldn't I be the one
Couldn't I have been your partner?


You lay your troubles on
Someone you trust to confide in.


Walk you to the edge and hold your hand
Be there for you when you need me the most.


I'll open every doorway that I can
I'll do what I can to help you.


Oh I could never be that man
Being a supportive partner is difficult for me.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Dwayne Wladyka

More great music from a great Canadian band. This is another good new song. Cheers! ✌️🇨🇦

pumpkin body

So soul soothing; as usual 😌❤️🇨🇦

Dale Clements

Classic Blue Rodeo. No mistaking Jim's voice!

Roxanne Yahyahkeekoot

Great tune. Love this one. Has meaning to the one you been waiting for. The wait is over

Jim smith

Great mood song and wonderful harmonies. Keep it up!

Rob Reibenschuh

What a beautiful new song by one of my favourite bands! The long wait is over!!

Mario Matamoro

Con 64 años cuddy y kellor siguen componiendo maravillas,no entiendo como no son conocidos fuera de Canadá.

Jody Rigden

Instant love! Can't resist that voice. 💙

A k.

Love the songs from Blue Rodeo band!💓🎶🎵

Raltny Lewis

Classic Blue Rodeo....new song adventures! Bring it on!

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