A New York City transplant, the roving singer/songwriter spends most of her time in a red Volvo, zipping around the Northeast and delivering her soulful songs with an old Recording King guitar and a husky alto. Members of Cold Satellite, Darlingside, Rusty Belle, Session Americana, and Josh Ritter/Ray LaMontagne bands have joined Canty on the road and on her records.
She has released two full-length albums and two EPs, most recently GOLDEN HOUR (2012), a gently produced Western-tinged Americana album, recorded mostly live in Maine in the winter. Her duo with Peter Bradley Adams, DOWN LIKE SILVER, released its lush debut EP in 2011 and continues to release singles, including Light That Match (2013).
Canty cut her teeth working at the Artists Den in live music production and singing backing vocals. She grew up playing soccer, the trombone, and singing in the choir. She earned a degree in Biology from Williams College.
I Never
Caitlin Canty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A reckless skyline
Could be sitting on a front porch
With a summer sigh
There's a beacon of some sort
Light to galvanize
I never have dry land
Always have sky
I was walking to the water
Took the long way around
Heart dry as tinder
Hardly made a sound
I waited on the answer
Hand turned to brine
I never have patience
Always have time
I was waiting on my old man
Working 5 to 9
Kept looking for a loophole
To help him kill the time
Dry as any desert
He drank everything in sight
He never has water
Always has wine
Can you keep the pain out
And just let in the breeze
When I leave the door open
The wind blows in all the leaves
Will I know when I get there
Or just drive on by
I never have answers
Only ask why
Where is my daughter
Where is my son
Will he be honest
She strong enough
How they sparkle
Brightest penny you'll find
You'll never be ready
Always be fine
January sidewalk
Your hand to mine
Found every reason
To lay or lie
Old pair of blue jeans
Pair of denim eyes
I'll never be yours
The lyrics of Caitlin Canty's song "I Never" deal with themes of restlessness, uncertainty, and the search for meaning. In the first verse, the singer reflects on the beauty of a sunset, but also on her own lack of solid ground in life. She seems to be searching for a sense of purpose, but can't seem to find it. The line "I never have dry land, always have sky" could be interpreted as a metaphor for this sense of instability and uncertainty.
In the second verse, the singer is walking to the water (perhaps a metaphor for seeking clarity or revelation), but again, she feels lost and uncertain. She waits for an answer, but none comes. The line "I never have patience, always have time" suggests that she is constantly searching, but also constantly frustrated by her lack of answers.
In the third verse, the focus shifts to the singer's father, who seems to be similarly restless and unsatisfied. He is always looking for a way to pass the time (a loophole), and he turns to alcohol to do so. The line "He never has water, always has wine" could again be interpreted as a metaphor for the search for meaning - the father is always seeking something, but never finding it.
The final verse is perhaps the most poignant, as the singer reflects on her children and the unknown future they face. She wonders if they will be honest and strong enough to face the challenges that lie ahead, but also acknowledges their brilliance and potential. The final line - "I'll never be yours" - is a sad but powerful statement of independence and self-knowledge.
Line by Line Meaning
I was watching the sun paint
I was observing the sun set
A reckless skyline
A careless horizon
Could be sitting on a front porch
Possibly relaxing on a porch
With a summer sigh
With an air of summer
There's a beacon of some sort
There is a signal of some kind
Light to galvanize
Shine to arouse action
I never have dry land
I do not have a stable footing
Always have sky
I always have air or space above me
I was walking to the water
I was headed towards the water source
Took the long way around
I chose the scenic route
Heart dry as tinder
Emotionally unresponsive
Hardly made a sound
Almost silent
I waited on the answer
I awaited a response
Hand turned to brine
My hand became sweaty
I never have patience
I am always in a hurry
Always have time
I am never in a rush
I was waiting on my old man
I awaited my father
Working 5 to 9
Working full time
Kept looking for a loophole
Searching for a way out
To help him kill the time
In order to be occupied
Dry as any desert
As dry as a desert
He drank everything in sight
He drank all that he could see
He never has water
He is never hydrated
Always has wine
He always has alcohol
Can you keep the pain out
Can you evade discomfort
And just let in the breeze
And allow the air to enter
When I leave the door open
When I do not close the door
The wind blows in all the leaves
The air brings in all the leaves
Will I know when I get there
Will I be aware upon arrival
Or just drive on by
Or just pass
I never have answers
I do not have solutions
Only ask why
I only question
Where is my daughter
Where is my female offspring
Where is my son
Where is my male offspring
Will he be honest
Will he be truthful
She strong enough
Is she capable
How they sparkle
How they radiate
Brightest penny you'll find
The most worthwhile
You'll never be ready
You will never be prepared
Always be fine
Always be good
January sidewalk
Winter pavement
Your hand to mine
Your hand on mine
Found every reason
Discovered every explanation
To lay or lie
To recline on the ground
Old pair of blue jeans
Worn-out blue denim trousers
Pair of denim eyes
Eyes of blue jeans' color
I'll never be yours
I will never be yours
Writer(s): Caitlin Elizabeth Canty
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@z_ench
Just discovered this masterpiece and i love all of it❤
@tracygaughan620
Love your style Caitlin!
@every2538
LOVE THIS SONG