Can't Stop
Elbow Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Can't stop thinking
I won't stop drinking
I need that comfort
I don't need discipline
Twilight's tailing

I had self-belief
They don't compromise
This has battered me
That's my history
Hold this shaking frame

Pull this back together

What's your story?
I want to listen
I can't fake pity
I may not sympathize
Twilight's tailing

Try my lies for size
You might swallow them
While I fantasize
Try my lies for size
Hold this shaking frame





Pull this back together

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Elbow's song "Can't Stop" seem to tell the story of someone who is struggling with addiction and relying on external sources of comfort to numb their pain. The first lines "Can't stop thinking, I won't stop drinking" suggest that the singer is unable to quiet their thoughts and is turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. They admit to needing comfort, but not discipline, which suggests a desire to escape responsibility and consequences.


The line "Twilight's tailing" refers to the end of the day, when the light is fading and the darkness is creeping in. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's state of mind, which is getting darker and harder to control. They had self-belief at one point, but it seems to have been eroded by something traumatic ("This has battered me, that's my history").


The chorus seems to be directed at someone else, perhaps a friend or significant other, asking them to share their story and open up. The singer admits that they can't fake pity or empathize, but they still want to listen. They offer up "lies" that the other person might "swallow" while they "fantasize," possibly giving into the temptation to try to manipulate the situation for their own benefit.


The final lines "Hold this shaking frame, pull this back together" suggest that the singer is aware of their own fragility and is asking for help in trying to overcome it.


Line by Line Meaning

Can't stop thinking
My thoughts are constantly racing and I cannot seem to detach from them.


I won't stop drinking
Alcohol consumption is my preferred method of escaping reality and numbing my emotions.


I need that comfort
Feeling a sense of comfort and belonging is crucial to me, otherwise I feel lost and alone.


I don't need discipline
I resist structure and discipline because they feel restrictive and oppressive to me.


Twilight’s tailing
The end of the day is approaching and darkness is setting in, signaling the end of another day of my struggles.


I had self-belief
I used to have confidence in myself and my abilities, but that has been eroded over time due to experiences and circumstances.


They don't compromise
Others are unwilling to make concessions with me, leaving me feeling helpless and without any options.


This has battered me
My experiences have emotionally and mentally exhausted me, leaving me feeling depleted.


That's my history
My past is what has shaped me into who I am today, for better or for worse.


Hold this shaking frame
I am desperately trying to hold it together, but I am struggling and feel as though I am falling apart.


Pull this back together
I am fighting to regain control and stability in my life, despite feeling like everything is falling apart.


What's your story?
I want to hear about your experiences and struggles, as it helps me feel less alone and gives me perspective on my own situation.


I can't fake pity
I am not one to pretend to care or empathize, as it feels disingenuous and insincere to me.


I may not sympathize
While I may not understand your situation or feel sorry for you, I am willing to listen and try to understand your perspective.


Try my lies for size
I am willing to deceive or manipulate others in order to get what I want, and I am testing the waters to see if it will work in this situation.


You might swallow them
Others may believe my lies or false promises, which will work in my favor and help me achieve my goals.


While I fantasize
I am mentally escaping from reality and imagining a different, more ideal life for myself, as a coping mechanism.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Peter James Turner, Richard Barry Jupp, Craig Lee Potter, Mark Potter, Guy Edward John Garvey

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Russell Dooley

I've bought this album three times. You're welcome Guy an Co. Much love to thee.

Cameron Wallace

Ahh how terrifically beautiful. x

Dirk Rozendale

leedse stakker

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