The song is often described as a reminiscent to The Smiths.
Still Can't...
The Cranberries Lyrics
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Nothing of what you said to me was real
And you still can't find the strength to apologize
He lies
You just go on laughin' and tellin' everyone lies
'Cause you wanted it all
You wanted it all
No, and there's nothin' at all
There's nothin' at all
There's nothin' at all
Maybe if you could see beyond your nose
Who knows
Nothing of what has happended surely shows
But your ego excelled and then your attitude
And you go on laughin' and shoutin', it's all too soon
'Cause you wanted it all
You wanted it all
You wanted it all
No, and there's nothin' at all
There's nothin' at all
There's nothin' at all
Still can't recognize the way I feel
Nothing of what you said to me was real
And you still can't find the strength to apologize
He lies
You just go on laughin' and tellin' everyone lies
'Cause you wanted it all
You wanted it all
You wanted it all
No, and there's nothin' at all
There's nothin' at all
There's nothin' at all
Wanted it all
Wanted it all
You wanted it all
The lyrics to The Cranberries' song "Still Can't..." are about someone who has been hurt by another person's lies and betrayal, and despite the perpetrator's inability to apologize, they continue to act as if nothing is wrong. The person who has been wronged expresses their frustration with the situation, pointing out that none of what the other person said was true, and they still can't recognize the pain they caused. The chorus "You wanted it all, no, and there's nothing at all" suggests that the other person's desire to have everything they want has ultimately left them with nothing, including the trust and respect of the person they hurt.
The second verse of the song touches on the idea that the person who caused the hurt may not even be aware of or care about the damage they've done. The line "Nothing of what has happened surely shows" implies that the perpetrator is oblivious to the hurt they have caused, or at least unwilling to acknowledge it. The lines "But your ego excelled and then your attitude / And you go on laughin' and shoutin', it's all too soon" point to the perpetrator's arrogance and refusal to take responsibility for their actions.
Overall, the lyrics of "Still Can't..." convey a sense of betrayal, hurt, and frustration. The repetition of the line "You wanted it all" emphasizes the other person's selfishness and desire for control, and the repetition of the phrase "There's nothing at all" highlights the emptiness and lack of satisfaction that came with that desire.
Line by Line Meaning
Still can't recognize the way I feel
I am still unable to understand my emotions regarding this situation.
Nothing of what you said to me was real
You said things to me that were not true or honest.
And you still can't find the strength to apologize
You have not yet found the courage to admit your mistake and apologize for your actions.
He lies
You are not truthful and continue to deceive others.
You just go on laughin' and tellin' everyone lies
You continue to laugh and deceive others by telling them things that are not true.
'Cause you wanted it all
You were greedy and wanted everything for yourself.
No, and there's nothin' at all
Despite your efforts to have everything, you have gained nothing.
Maybe if you could see beyond your nose
If you were able to think beyond your own desires, you might be able to understand the situation better.
Who knows
It is uncertain whether or not you are capable of seeing things from a different perspective.
Nothing of what has happended surely shows
The true events of what happened are not clearly visible or apparent.
But your ego excelled and then your attitude
Your ego and self-importance took control, leading to a negative attitude.
And you go on laughin' and shoutin', it's all too soon
You continue to laugh and shout, pretending that nothing happened and that it is too early to address the situation.
Wanted it all
Reinforcement that you were greedy and wanted everything for yourself.
Wanted it all
Another reinforcement that you were greedy and wanted everything for yourself.
You wanted it all
Final reminder that you were greedy and wanted everything for yourself.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dolores O'Riordan, Noel Hogan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind