I Can't Tell You Why
The Eagles (Rock) Lyrics


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Look at us baby, up all night
Tearing our love apart
Aren't we the same two people who live
Through years in the dark?
Ahh
Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can't tell you why

When we get crazy
It just ain't to right (try to keep you head little girl)
Girl I get lonely too
You don't have to worry
Just hold on tight (don't get caught in your little world)
Cause I love you
Nothing's wrong as far as I can see
We make it harder than it has to be
And I can't tell you why
No, baby, I can't tell you why
I can't tell you why

Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can't tell you why
No, no, baby, I can't tell you why




I can't tell you why
I can't tell you why

Overall Meaning

The Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why" is a poignant ballad of a couple who struggle to keep their love alive, despite their differences. The song begins with the singer acknowledging the problems they face as a couple: they are up all night fighting, tearing their love apart. Despite this pain, they both know that they have been through this before, they have lived through years in the dark. Every time the singer tries to walk away, something makes them turn around and stay. They can't explain why they keep coming back to each other, but there is a force that binds them together.


The chorus emphasizes the singer's confusion about why they can't seem to let go of each other. When they get crazy, it just doesn’t feel right, yet they can't help but hold onto each other. The singer believes that nothing is wrong with their relationship as far as they can see, but they make it harder than it has to be. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus: every time the singer tries to walk away, something makes them turn around and stay, and they can't tell why.


The lyrics of "I Can't Tell You Why" are relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship that they can't seem to shake. The verses are filled with a sense of pain and confusion, while the chorus is hopeful yet uncertain. The Eagles' intricate harmonies and soft guitar solos make this song an emotional masterpiece.


Line by Line Meaning

Look at us baby, up all night
We are experiencing insomnia due to the struggles and problems in our relationship.


Tearing our love apart
Our relationship is falling apart, and we are both struggling to keep it together.


Aren't we the same two people who live
Despite the problems that we have, we are still the same people who have been together for years.


Through years in the dark?
We have been through a lot of tough times and difficult situations, but we have always managed to stay together.


Every time I try to walk away
Even though we are going through a rough patch, I find it difficult to leave and end things between us.


Something makes me turn around and stay
I am drawn back to you and our relationship, and it's hard for me to let go.


And I can't tell you why
I don't know exactly what it is that keeps me holding on, but I can't seem to help it.


When we get crazy
When things between us get intense and heated


It just ain't to right (try to keep you head little girl)
It's not healthy or productive for us to argue and fight like this. We should try to stay level-headed and calm.


Girl I get lonely too
I also feel lonely and disconnected from you at times.


You don't have to worry
You don't have to feel anxious or concerned about our relationship. I am still committed to us.


Just hold on tight (don't get caught in your little world)
We need to stick together and support each other, rather than getting lost in our own individual problems and issues.


Cause I love you
My love for you is the reason I am holding on and trying to make things work.


Nothing's wrong as far as I can see
There doesn't seem to be any particular problems or issues causing our difficulties - it's just the natural struggles of any long-term relationship.


We make it harder than it has to be
We are both making things more difficult than they need to be, possibly due to our own actions or attitudes.


And I can't tell you why
Again, I don't have a clear explanation or justification for why I am still committed to this relationship, despite our struggles.


No, baby, I can't tell you why
I am unable to express or articulate the reasons behind my feelings and actions.


I can't tell you why
Once more, I am struggling to understand and explain why I am still holding on to our relationship.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Red Cloud Music
Written by: DON HENLEY, TIMOTHY B. SCHMIT, GLENN LEWIS FREY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@me.geraldave

My papa just died last week and was buried today. The only video we have where we can hear his voice is of him singing this song. I'm glad my godfather was able to upload it. We will always love you, Ping. ❤☝🏽

@louisenesselaar606

Oh you lost your dad. My condolences. That's so sad. The eagles must be extra precious for you. ❤

@sharonsimpson1461

My condolences for your loss.

@tiffanycardiel1067

Condolences

@pierafantasia

Condolences dear, though I'm far from you I am close to you with my heart also through this song 💞

@lizbethk540

Sorry for the loss of your father. Many blessings coming your way ❤

2 More Replies...

@lisagiles

Beautiful voice!!!! Who’s here in 2024…

@beebold4379

Bc 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 I love this song

@HeyLove2020

loving this song since the 80's ❤❤❤❤

@YvonneMace

Love this song

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