I Can't Wait
Shelby Lynne Lyrics

The lyrics of Shelby Lynne's song "I Can't Wait" are a poignant reflection on the complexities of parent-child relationships. Lynne addresses both her mother and father, expressing the pain of feeling rejected by her mother and the longing for her absent father. She acknowledges and laments the fact that she was never able to have the kind of relationship she desired with her mother, and never received the love and acceptance she craved from her. The repeated refrain of "Goodbye" further underscores the finality and sadness of this situation, as Lynne resigns herself to saying farewell to her mother and the hopes she had for their relationship.

Similarly, Lynne's words to her father convey a sense of loss and unfulfilled longing. Despite his absence from her life, Lynne reveals that she still needed him and wanted to be close to him. However, he did not reciprocate those feelings, causing her pain and confusion. The fact that Lynne never left her father, despite his absence, is significant, as it shows the enduring hold that parents can have over their children, even in difficult circumstances.

The final verse of the song, addressed to children, is a warning against following in her footsteps. The words "I couldn't walk and I tried to run" suggest that Lynne made mistakes in her attempts to find love and connection with her parents, perhaps pushing too hard or taking risks that ultimately proved fruitless. By cautioning others against making these same mistakes, Lynne demonstrates a vulnerable honesty and desire to help others learn from her pain.