Can't Leave Her Behind
Lee Ranaldo; Stephen Malkmus Lyrics

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Where she leads me I do not know
Well, she leads me where she goes
I can't find her nowhere

Well, she needs me here
All aware I can't hear her walk
I just cannot hear her talk
Though sometimes, you know you will

And when she comes my way
I'll just be left any night or day
I will hear her say

That I don't wanna try

I tried, also cried
But I can't leave her behind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Stephen Malkmus' song Can't Leave Her Behind paint a picture of a tortured relationship in which the subject cannot let go of their significant other. The singer is completely under the control of this person, blindly following them wherever they go, regardless of the consequences. They are completely consumed by their love for this person, to the point where they are unable to function without them. The lyrics suggest that the singer is trapped in a cycle of emotional dependence, where they have tried to break free, but are unable to let go of the person who has such a hold over them.

On a deeper level, the song explores themes of loss, desperation, and the all-consuming nature of love. The singer is lost without their partner, unable to find meaning in their life without them. The lyrics suggest a sense of hopelessness, as the singer resigns themselves to the fact that they cannot leave the person they love behind, no matter how hard they try.

In summary, Can't Leave Her Behind delves deep into the complexities of love and emotion, exploring the lengths that one will go to hold onto the person they love. The lyrics depict a desperate, tortured soul, unable to break free from the hold that their partner has over them.

Line by Line Meaning

Where she leads me I do not know
I am unsure of where she is taking me.

Well, she leads me where she goes
I follow her wherever she goes.

I can't find her nowhere
I cannot locate her.

Well, she needs me here
She requires my presence here.

All aware I can't hear her walk
I am aware that I cannot hear her footsteps.

I just cannot hear her talk
I am unable to hear her speak.

Though sometimes, you know you will
Sometimes you may hear her speak.

And when she comes my way
When she approaches me.

I'll just be left any night or day
I will always be left by her, no matter the time.

I will hear her say
I will hear her speak.

That I don't wanna try
She does not want me to attempt to leave her.