I Can't Stop Loving You
Frank Sinatra and Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I've made up my mind
To live in memory
Of old lonesome times
I can't stop wantin' you
It's useless to say
So I'll just live my life
In dreams of yesterday
That we once knew
Though long ago
Yeah they make me feel blue
They say that time
Heals a broken heart
But time has stood still
Since we've been apart
I can't stop lovin' you
Yes so I've made up my mind
To live in memory
Of old lonesome times
I can't stop wantin' you
It's so useless to say
So I'll just live my life
Live my life in dreams
Of yesterday
The lyrics of Frank Sinatra and Count Basie And His Orchestra's song "I Can't Stop Loving You" express the feelings of someone who cannot move on from a past love. The singer has made up their mind to live in memory of old lonesome times and dreams of yesterday, because they cannot stop loving and wanting the person who has left them. The happy memories they shared with their past love make them feel blue and time has stood still for them since they've been apart. Despite the common admonition that time heals a broken heart, the singer cannot seem to move on.
The song's lyrics suggest that the singer is in a state of emotional limbo or suspended animation, unable to let go of their love for their previous partner. In some interpretations, the song speaks to a generalized sense of nostalgia for a romantic era or relationship, irrespective of the specific individuals involved. The music itself complements the wistful tone of the lyrics, with a slow, melancholy tempo and subtle instrumentation that is allowed to fully breathe over the course of the song. Overall, the lyrics of "I Can't Stop Loving You" offer a poignant reflection on the pain and longing that can accompany the end of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't stop lovin' you
Despite my efforts, I still have feelings of love for you.
So I've made up my mind
I have come to a decision.
To live in memory
Instead of moving on, I will dwell on the past.
Of old lonesome times
Specifically, the sad moments we shared together.
I can't stop wantin' you
In addition to loving you, I also desire you.
It's useless to say
Expressing my feelings to you would only be futile.
So I'll just live my life
In order to cope, I will focus on my own existence.
In dreams of yesterday
My thoughts will be consumed by memories of our past.
Those happy hours
Former moments of joy we experienced together.
That we once knew
In the past, we had these joyful moments.
Though long ago
Even though it has been some time since then.
Yeah they make me feel blue
These memories now only bring me sadness.
They say that time
People often claim that over time, emotional wounds will heal.
Heals a broken heart
The belief is that the pain of losing someone will eventually fade away.
But time has stood still
However, I find this to be untrue in my case, as my feelings have not diminished at all.
Since we've been apart
The reason why time hasn't healed my heart is because we have not been together.
I can't stop lovin' you
Reiterating that my love for you remains.
Yes so I've made up my mind
Once again expressing my firm decision to focus on memories of our past.
Live my life in dreams
In order to live with this heartache, I will continue to reminisce about what we once had.
Of yesterday
The memories I cling to are from a time long ago.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Don Gibson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind