I Can't Tell
Flume Laurel Lyrics
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Tired of hearing the sound
Of the hands of the clock go round
Misery come down
Think they have been here for days
Scared, but I'm not afraid
I'm just parting, trying to find an escape
Picking the lock on the cage
Where've you been?
Where did you go, go?
How can you sleep knowing you don't know?
If I'm okay, I hope I'm not
If you care, I can't tell
You put up walls knowing I can't see
How can you die knowing I can't breathe?
Am I okay? I hope I'm not
If you care, I can't tell
Do you know how it felt?
A question that I answer myself
I'm standing here in amazement
You really showed me yourself
Making it hard to engage (mm, mm)
There's nothing left to say (mm, mm)
Instances that you can't erase
Wasting away, wide awake
Where've you been?
Where did you go, go?
How can you sleep knowing you don't know?
If I'm okay, I hope I'm not
If you care, I can't tell (whoa)
You put up walls knowing I can't seeHow can you die knowing I can't breathe?
Am I okay? I hope I'm not
If you care, I can't tell
In "I Can't Tell," Flume and Laurel bring together a powerful blend of electronic sounds and raw emotions. The lyrics reflect the feelings of someone who is trying to escape from misery and pain, but is struggling to communicate their needs to the people around them. The first verse starts with the singer, exhausted from hearing the clock tick endlessly, trying to rise from the ground while being trapped in a cage. The second verse focuses on the singer's interactions with a person who has built up emotional walls which makes it impossible for them to connect.
The chorus then emphasizes the singer's feelings of confusion and uncertainty. They wonder where the other person has been and why they can't connect, all while hoping that they are not okay. It is apparent that they do care about the other person, but they cannot understand why the other person cannot see their pain and their attempts at communication. Instead, the other person puts up walls that make it difficult for the singer to breathe.
Finally, the bridge brings the song to a close with a final plea for the other person to understand how painful their interactions have been. Although the singer starts by asking if the other person understands how their actions felt, they end up answering their own question. The singer feels amazed by the other person's inability to engage and their own inability to respond.
Overall, this song is a powerful commentary on the difficulties that people face when trying to communicate and connect with each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Pick myself up off the ground
I am trying to recover from a difficult situation.
Tired of hearing the sound
I am becoming frustrated with my current circumstances.
Of the hands of the clock go round
I am tired of the monotony of life.
Misery come down
I feel like I am trapped in a negative cycle.
Think they have been here for days
I feel like my problems have been going on for a long time.
Scared, but I'm not afraid
I am brave, despite being afraid of the unknown.
I'm just parting, trying to find an escape
I am just looking for a way out of this situation.
Picking the lock on the cage
I am trying to break free from the constraints of my circumstances.
Where've you been?
Where have you been?
Where did you go, go?
Where did you go?
How can you sleep knowing you don't know?
How can you be at peace when you don't know what's going on?
If I'm okay, I hope I'm not
I'm worried that everything might not be okay.
If you care, I can't tell
I can't tell if you care.
You put up walls knowing I can't see
You're hiding something from me, and I can't see through your facade.
How can you die knowing I can't breathe?
You're doing something that's hurting me, and I can't breathe.
Am I okay? I hope I'm not
I'm worried that I might not be okay.
If you care, I can't tell
I can't tell if you care.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Doc Mckinney, Gamal Kosh Lewis, Harley Streten, Lennon Stella, Michael Sonier
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@althafrafikalli7687
This one is truly the best song on the album. The vocals, the synths, the beat all tie together to create something that is absolutely amazing! Fantastic job Harley!
@zpope9
Agreed
@Cichopek123
80% of the song allright but the chorus is a disaster sory but it is
@RedSquirrelHunter
This one, hollow, go, and the first 4 released are all amazing
@maryynekdied
Yesss❤
@lodzkiegetto
Lol no. She cant sing
@amandaalarcon1224
Holy shit….that drop literally gave me goosebumps wtf
@amandaalarcon1224
This is the Flume I fell in love with
@12manbo
Flume, laurels vocals and Jonathan Zawada's visuals are a match made in heaven. This song is just beautiful honestly.
@drsalka
Of course that’s Zawada. Thank you; it makes sense now (and oh wow!)