Gypsy Death and You is a musical two-piece comprised of Emily Cahill and Al… Read Full Bio ↴Gypsy Death and You is a musical two-piece comprised of Emily Cahill and Alex Wilson. The band was formed after its two members met in a music course during their freshman year of college. Sharing similar influences, the duo quickly began to compose and record their own brand of dreamy-yet-edgy indie rock.

SOMETHING I CAN'T HAVE
Gypsy Death and You Lyrics

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When I left you
I flew
Did you fly too?
And nakedness befell my way
Only seen in the light of day

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

And creativity it soaks my soul
I ask not to be alone
You don't have to ask for my hand
I already know where I stand

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want
I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

And consequences in the future
Feeling is now
And I can't feel the future
But I can be there for you now

I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want
I only want what I can't have
I only need what I don't want

I only want what I can't have
I only want what I can't have

Overall Meaning

These lyrics explore themes of desire, need, and the consequences of our actions. The singer reflects on leaving someone behind (“When I left you, I flew”) and wonders if they too experienced a sense of freedom or liberation (“Did you fly too?”). The use of the metaphor of nakedness brings to mind vulnerability and exposure in the face of honesty and truth (“Only seen in the light of day”).

In the chorus, the singer admits to a tendency to want what they can’t have and to need what they don’t want. This speaks to a deeper yearning for something unattainable, perhaps something that they know will ultimately not bring them happiness or fulfillment. The use of repetition in the chorus emphasizes the singer’s sense of longing, as if they are trying to convince themselves that this is simply the way they are wired.

The second verse touches on creativity and the desire for connection (“I ask not to be alone”), but ultimately the singer knows where they stand and doesn’t need anyone to ask for their hand. The repetition of the chorus reinforces their sense of yearning and longing.

Finally, the singer reflects on the present moment (“Feeling is now”) and acknowledges that they cannot predict the future (“And I can't feel the future”), but they can be there for the person they left behind now.

Overall, the lyrics carry a sense of restlessness, a longing for something unattainable, and a reflection on the consequences of our actions.

Line by Line Meaning

When I left you
Upon my departure from you

I flew
I departed quickly and without hesitation

Did you fly too?
Did you also feel a sense of freedom upon my departure?

And nakedness befell my way
I became vulnerable and exposed

Only seen in the light of day
My vulnerability only became clear in hindsight

I only want what I can't have
I desire that which is unattainable

I only need what I don't want
I require that which I do not desire

And creativity it soaks my soul
My soul is drenched in creativity

I ask not to be alone
I do not wish to be solitary

You don't have to ask for my hand
You do not need to request my partnership