By her third album in 1990, Anything Is Possible, Gibson’s chart fortunes were diminishing; only the lead single, the album’s title track, made any headway, peaking at #26. It would be her final U.S. top 40 entry. She shed the wholesome teen image for 1993’s Body, Mind, Soul, and later appeared in a Playboy magazine pictorial. Despite her diminished profile, another seven albums followed between 1995 and 2022. In 2006, she reached # 24 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart with "Say Goodbye,” a duet with Jordan Knight. Gibson has also had starring roles on Broadway and touring musicals, including playing Eponine in Les Misérables and Sandy in Grease, as well as television and independent film work.
Can't Do It Alone
Debbie Gibson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it's not how it used to be
It's not like anyone is to blame
But you can at least look at me
Hardships come and go
This I know, this I know
[Chorus]
All the things you require
All the strength to survive
All the pain and desire
But there's more than just one
In a happy home
If you want it to work
I can't do it alone
I know that you're under a strain
You, me, and the rest of the world
The sunrise and the evening rain
I would risk it all
Fairy tales are nice
But it takes work to bring them to life
[Chorus]
Fairy tales are nice
But it takes work to bring them to life
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
I can't do it alone
In Debbie Gibson's song Can't Do It Alone, she seems to be expressing her frustration and hurt to someone else who may be her partner or friend. She acknowledges that things are not the same as they used to be, but does not blame anyone specifically. She emphasizes that hardships come and go, and she's got all the time in the world, all the things the other person requires, all the strength to survive, all the pain and desire. However, she also notes that to make a happy home work, it takes more than just one person; it takes effort and cooperation from both parties involved. She is pleading with the other person to not leave everything in her hands alone and to take responsibility for their role in making things work.
The chorus of the song is a repeating plea from Debbie that she can't do everything alone. She contrasts the idea of having all the things necessary to keep a relationship going but ultimately reiterates that both parties need to put in an equal amount of work to create a happy home. The song can be interpreted as a call for communication and balance within a relationship, reminding the other person of the importance of taking ownership in the partnership.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I'm not one to complain
I don't usually voice my dissatisfaction
But it's not how it used to be
Things have changed, and not for the better
It's not like anyone is to blame
No one is specifically responsible for the situation
But you can at least look at me
Please acknowledge my presence and my feelings
Hardships come and go
Difficult times happen, but eventually they pass
This I know, this I know
I'm aware of this fact
"But I've got all the time in the world
I have an abundance of time
All the things you require
I possess everything you need
All the strength to survive
I have the inner strength to persevere
All the pain and desire
I have experienced both suffering and yearning
But there's more than just one
A happy relationship involves more than just one person's effort
In a happy home
A comfortable living environment
If you want it to work
For the relationship to succeed
I can't do it alone
I require your participation and cooperation
I know that you're under a strain
I understand that you're going through a tough time
You, me, and the rest of the world
Everyone experiences difficulties
The sunrise and the evening rain
The changes of the day and the weather
I would risk it all
I'm willing to take a chance for love
Fairy tales are nice
Fantasies are pleasant to dream about
But it takes work to bring them to life
However, it requires effort to make those dreams a reality
"But I've got all the time in the world
I have an abundance of time
All the things you require
I possess everything you need
All the strength to survive
I have the inner strength to persevere
All the pain and desire
I have experienced both suffering and yearning
But there's more than just one
A happy relationship involves more than just one person's effort
In a happy home
A comfortable living environment
If you want it to work
For the relationship to succeed
I can't do it alone
I require your participation and cooperation
But there's more than just one
A happy relationship involves more than just one person's effort
In a happy home
A comfortable living environment
If you want it to work
For the relationship to succeed
I can't do it alone
I require your participation and cooperation
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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