Can't Satisfy
Impressions Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You know I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy
You see I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy

I found out in time
What was on your mind
You never meant to stay
Did without me anyway

One of the chosen few
Did what you told me to
All you ever did was lie
I can't satisfy

So I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy

You seem so complete
So pretty and sweet
But never knew I'd know
Just which way you're going to

Sometimes I wonder why
Why do you make me cry
Why do the love inside
Swallows up all of my pride

And I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy
And I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy

You seem so complete
So pretty and sweet
But never knew I'd know
Just which way you're going to

Sometimes I wonder why
Why do you make me cry
Why do the love inside
Swallows all of my pride

And I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy
I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy

One of the chosen few
Did what you told me to
All you ever did was lie
I can't satisfy

And I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy
I can't satisfy your love
I can't satisfy





And I can't satisfy your love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Impressions' song "Can't Satisfy" explore the feelings of a narrator who acknowledges that they cannot fulfill someone's love. The first stanza is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's inability to satisfy the other person's love. The second stanza reveals that the singer found out what was on the other person's mind and that they never intended to stay. The third stanza describes how the other person appears to be complete and sweet, but the singer knows which way they are going. The fourth stanza wonders why the other person makes them cry and why their love swallows up all of their pride.


This song is about unrequited love and the frustration that comes with it. The singer understands that they are not what the other person wants or needs but cannot help how they feel. The use of repetition in the song emphasizes the singer's frustration and sense of powerlessness.


One interesting fact about the song is that it was written by Curtis Mayfield, who was both a member and the primary songwriter for The Impressions. Mayfield wrote many hits for the group, including "People Get Ready" and "Move On Up."


Another interesting fact about the song is that it was covered by Robert Palmer in 1975 for his album "Pressure Drop." The song was also covered by The Heptones and The Techniques, among others.


The song was released in 1964 and reached #37 on the US R&B charts.


The Impressions were a prominent soul group in the 1960s, and their music was known for its socially conscious lyrics and catchy melodies.


The group's lead singer, Jerry Butler, left the group in 1960 to pursue a solo career. Butler had several hits in the 1960s, including "Only the Strong Survive" and "Hey, Western Union Man."


The Impressions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.


The group is also known for their hits "It's All Right," "Gypsy Woman," and "We're a Winner."


The song has been sampled by several artists, including A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, and Common.


Unfortunately, the chords for "Can't Satisfy" are not readily available. However, the song features a classic soul rhythm and melody, with a prominent bassline and horns.


Line by Line Meaning

You know I can't satisfy your love
I am aware that I cannot fulfill your love


I can't satisfy
I cannot fulfill your desires


You see I can't satisfy your love
I understand that I cannot satisfy your love


I found out in time
I discovered before it was too late


What was on your mind
What you were thinking about


You never meant to stay
You had no intentions of staying


Did without me anyway
You continued without me regardless


One of the chosen few
I was one of the few selected


Did what you told me to
I followed your commands


All you ever did was lie
You always told lies


I can't satisfy
I cannot fulfill your desires


So I can't satisfy your love
Thus, I cannot fulfill your love


You seem so complete
You appear to be fulfilled


So pretty and sweet
You are beautiful and charming


But never knew I'd know
You were not aware that I would find out


Just which way you're going to
What your intentions are


Sometimes I wonder why
I often question why


Why do you make me cry
Why do you cause me pain


Why do the love inside
Why does the love within me


Swallows up all of my pride
Take away all of my self-respect


I can't satisfy your love
I cannot fulfill your love


And I can't satisfy
I cannot fulfill your desires


And I can't satisfy your love
I cannot fulfill your love


One of the chosen few
I was one of the few selected


Did what you told me to
I followed your commands


All you ever did was lie
You always told lies


I can't satisfy
I cannot fulfill your desires


And I can't satisfy your love
I cannot fulfill your love


I can't satisfy your love
I cannot fulfill your love


I can't satisfy
I cannot fulfill your desires




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, SYLVIA MOY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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