I Can't Stand It
Hotrats The Lyrics

The lyrics to "I Can't Stand It" by Hotrats (a side project of Supergrass members Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey) paint a picture of an individual who is living in a squalid and lonely existence. The opening lines suggest that the singer was once not even considered human, living in a garbage pail before presumably being "rescued" by his landlady. However, far from being a benevolent figure, the landlady is depicted as violent and aggressive, even attempting to hit the singer with a mop. The implication is that the singer is trapped in a living situation that is both physically and emotionally abusive.

The following lines of the song mention 13 dead cats, suggesting that the singer is either a hoarder or living in a place with a lot of feral cats. The mention of a "purple who hear spats" is likely a reference to a hallucination or delusion experienced by the singer, further adding to the sense of isolation and distress. The repeated refrain of "I can't stand it anymore" underscores the intense emotional pain being experienced by the singer. However, the lines about Shelly suggest that there is a glimmer of hope. If only this person were to return, everything would be alright. It's unclear who Shelly is or what their relationship to the singer is, but the sense of longing and desperation suggests that they hold some significance in the singer's life.

Overall, "I Can't Stand It" is a bleak and intense song that tackles themes of isolation, abuse, and mental illness. While the lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, they paint a vivid picture of a person who is truly suffering.