I Don't Think I'm Ever Gonna Figure It Out
Elliott Smith Lyrics


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I can wait
I can wait
I can sit wondering what in world you think about
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
After all the alcohol, the pretty words that devolve down
To slurs and drunken shouts
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
It's like some wild last frontier
You never know what kind of fight's gonna appear
That once begun can't be won
Started out losing already and go all ten rounds
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
The tired hits that fall below
I can't connect, yeah yeah i know
I can wait
I can wait
I can sit wondering what in the world you think about
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out




I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out

Overall Meaning

The song I Don't Think I'm Ever Gonna Figure It Out by Elliott Smith seems to be about the struggle of understanding and solving a complex interpersonal or personal problem. The opening lines "I can wait, I can wait, I can sit wondering what in the world you think about" suggest that the singer is patient but also uncertain about what the other person is thinking, and this baffles him. The phrase "I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out" is repeated often throughout the song, adding to the sense of hopelessness in the situation.


The second verse reflects on alcohol and its effects on communication. Smith seems to be suggesting that drinking often leads to misunderstandings and negative emotions, such as anger or shouting. However, despite acknowledging this, he remains uncertain about how to go forward, and the lines "Started out losing already and go all ten rounds" convey a sense of futility.


The final chorus reiterates the frustration of not being able to "figure it out," and the song ends on an unresolved note. Overall, the lyrics suggest a feeling of being stuck in a complicated and difficult situation, unable to find a solution, but also unwilling to give up.


Line by Line Meaning

I can wait
I am willing to delay my desires and give you time


I can wait
I am willing to delay my desires and give you time


I can sit wondering what in world you think about
I am curious and concerned about your thoughts and feelings


I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I doubt that I will be able to comprehend or understand the situation


After all the alcohol, the pretty words that devolve down
Despite all the drinking and sweet talk that eventually turns into insulting speech


To slurs and drunken shouts
To unintelligible or offensive language and exclamations caused by being drunk


It's like some wild last frontier
It is like an uncharted and unpredictable territory


You never know what kind of fight's gonna appear
There is no telling what kind of conflict will arise


That once begun can't be won
That cannot be resolved or won once it has started


Started out losing already and go all ten rounds
Began with a disadvantage and will persist until the end


The tired hits that fall below
The repeated blows that land too low and are not effective


I can't connect, yeah yeah i know
I cannot establish a meaningful connection or communication, yes, I acknowledge that


I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I doubt that I will be able to comprehend or understand the situation


I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I doubt that I will be able to comprehend or understand the situation


I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I doubt that I will be able to comprehend or understand the situation




Contributed by Kaylee E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Ruby Blu

I can wait, I can wait
I can sit wondering what in the world you think about
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out

After all the alcohol, the pretty words have devolved down
To slurs and drunken shouts
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out

Like some wild last frontier
You never know what kind of fight's gonna appear
That once begun can't be won
Started out losing already and go all ten rounds
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out

The tired hits that fall below
I can't connect
Yeah, yeah
I know

I can wait, I can wait
I can sit wondering what in the world you think about
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out
I don't think I'm ever gonna figure it out



All comments from YouTube:

David Boguzes

This guy was a RIDICULOUS guitar player. I would consider myself to be decent....but damn Elliott truly had his own unique style. I never stop being floored by his brillance...

Kick the Ghost!

+David Boguzes Yeah. Same.

RTEHeydrich

yeah let's make this playing sound REAL EASY and natural while I sing my heart out... pfffftttt
WTH..? PERFECT

Daniel

Ridiculous is not the right word.

Antoine Ferry

You forgot to put the Word gifted or good after ridiculous-ly but yeah i get your point, i d give a lot to play like that

John Random

Seriously. People don’t even realize how complex and difficult his songs are until you try and them and go. Ohhh shit maybe I can’t play it. And that’s not even with singing it. Lol

4 More Replies...

Tim R

I love when he balances bounciness of music and heaviness of lyrics. It makes me feel bad for tapping my foot.

joyjoyjoy

Tim R that’s Elliott in a nutshell for ya

knuckle12356

🙆‍♂️<--Elliott, in a nutshell. 🥁 [Ba Dum.]

🫲😁🫱 🎵 (Ta-dah!) 🎵

Random

Dear God us humans miss this man

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