I Can
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You wanna know if we fell in love too fast
You wanna know if this is well too good to last
You're asking the wrong questions
You're opening the wrong doors
I love you, I can't touch you anymore

I can't touch you anymore, there's so much to hate you for
I love you, I can't touch you anymore

You wanna tell me 50 ways you've left your lovers
You wanna tell me how you've loved 200 others
You're asking the wrong questions
You're opening the wrong doors
I love you, I can't touch you anymore





I can't touch you anymore, there's so much to hate you for
I love you, I can't touch you anymore

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields’ “I Can” is a song that explores the tension and uncertainty of a relationship that appears to be heading towards its end. The lyrics deal with the insecurities of one partner, who questions whether their love has occurred too quickly and whether it will last. However, the other partner seems to have moved on from these doubts and declares their love, despite being aware of the flaws in their relationship that are causing the divide.


The first verse addresses the confusion and doubt in the partner's mind, questioning the speed at which they fell in love and whether it is sustainable. But the other partner seems to have accepted the situation and sees the futility in asking such questions.


The chorus, “I can’t touch you anymore, there’s so much to hate you for / I love you, I can’t touch you anymore,” further highlights the conflict and contrasts the opposing emotions that the partner experiences. They acknowledge the love they have for the other person while also acknowledging the pain and hurt that the relationship has caused them.


The last verse shows the partner's detachment and unwillingness to engage with their lover's history, being past relationships or previous lovers. They view the other's experience as a sign of their insincerity and lack of commitment. The lyrics imply that both parties have stopped communicating and their love exists without any physicality.


Line by Line Meaning

You wanna know if we fell in love too fast
You’re questioning the speed at which we fell in love


You wanna know if this is well too good to last
You’re questioning the sustainability of our love


You're asking the wrong questions
You’re asking questions that miss the point


You're opening the wrong doors
You’re exploring paths that lead to nowhere


I love you, I can't touch you anymore
I love you, but we can’t be together for reasons beyond our control


I can't touch you anymore, there's so much to hate you for
Despite still loving you, I harbor negative emotions towards you


You wanna tell me 50 ways you've left your lovers
You feel the need to divulge the ways you’ve hurt past partners


You wanna tell me how you've loved 200 others
You feel the need to justify or prove your capability to love




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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