Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Can't See Why
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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In need of some restraint
While raised to think knowledge is power
I've come to learn it ain't
Because here I go when the hat drops
In the lion's mouth for more
And this time there's no illusion
For what I've got in store
And it comes and it goes
And eventually slows
And we lie and we trade
And I guess destiny is made
And I can't see why but I do it anyway
You reap what you sow, oh so the poets say
Well she knew my name and she came to me
And she wanted to spend some time
And she looked soft to touch so it's the same you see
I just wanted to make her mine
So here we are just standing there
Trying to figure out why we're there
Attempting some connection
While we're brave enough to care
And we try and we fail
And oh the sirens how they wail
And it's bad and it's good
Does it matter if we should?
And I can't see why but I do it anyway
You reap what you sow, oh so the poets say
And you can't see me and I do that carefully
And this time we have is enough to make you laugh
And I can't see why but I do it anyway
You reap what you sow, oh so the poets say
The song "Can't See Why" by Blues Traveler explores the complexity of human relationships and the struggles that come with them. The first verse describes the singer's tendency to take risks and pursue things that may not be in his best interest. Though he knows the dangers and limitations of his actions, he cannot resist the temptation to try. The chorus reflects on the idea that we often do things without fully understanding why, and that the consequences of our choices are not always clear-cut.
The second verse introduces a woman who approached the singer and wanted to spend time with him. He was intrigued by her and wanted to pursue a relationship with her. The two struggled to find a meaningful connection despite their initial attraction. The chorus repeats the sentiment from the first verse, suggesting that the unpredictable nature of human connections often leads to disappointing outcomes.
The song concludes with a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The singer realizes that he may not fully understand why he makes the choices he does, but he is willing to take risks and enjoy the ride.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the complexity of human relationships and the unpredictability of life. It acknowledges that we do not always understand why we do the things we do, but encourages us to live in the moment and appreciate the time we have.
Line by Line Meaning
Kiss away the morning hour
Start the day with a sweet gesture
In need of some restraint
I feel like I may act on impulse
While raised to think knowledge is power
I was taught that education is valuable
I've come to learn it ain't
But I now realize that knowledge doesn't always lead to power
Because here I go when the hat drops
Even though I know it's risky, I still take chances
In the lion's mouth for more
I put myself in risky situations for the possibility of reward
And this time there's no illusion
And this time, I am not under any false impressions
For what I've got in store
I know what I am getting myself into
And it comes and it goes
Life has its ups and downs
And eventually slows
Eventually, things will calm down
And we lie and we trade
We deceive and exchange things with others
And I guess destiny is made
I suppose fate plays a role in our lives
And I can't see why but I do it anyway
I don't really understand why I take risks, but I do it anyways
You reap what you sow, oh so the poets say
As the poets say, we receive the consequences of our actions
Well she knew my name and she came to me
A woman approached me and knew my name
And she wanted to spend some time
She was interested in spending time with me
And she looked soft to touch so it's the same you see
She looked like she would be gentle and kind
I just wanted to make her mine
I was interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with her
So here we are just standing there
Now we are in the midst of the situation
Trying to figure out why we're there
We are unsure of why we are together
Attempting some connection
We are trying to form a relationship
While we're brave enough to care
We are both bold enough to put forth effort and care about the relationship
And we try and we fail
We attempt and are often unsuccessful
And oh the sirens how they wail
We are met with loud and often unsettling warning signs
And it's bad and it's good
It has both negative and positive elements
Does it matter if we should?
But the question remains, is it ultimately worth it?
And you can't see me and I do that carefully
I am cautious and deliberate in my approach
And this time we have is enough to make you laugh
However, this time together is enjoyable and brings happiness
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN C. POPPER, TAD KINCHLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind