The song featured in the Johnny Depp film Blow, the Christopher Walken film Scotland, PA, the Joshua Michael Stern film Swing Vote, in a 2011 commercial for Busch Beer and a 2012 advert for tourism in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Can't You See
The Marshall Tucker Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't care where it goes
Gonna climb me a mountain, the highest mountain
Jump off, nobody gonna know
Can't you see oh can't you see
What that woman, she been doin' to me
Can't you see, can't you see
I'm gonna find me a hole in the wall
I gonna crawl inside and die
'Cause my lady now, mean ol' woman lord, never told me goodbye
Can't you see oh can't you see
What that woman lord she been doin' to me
Can't you see, can't you see
What that woman lord been doin' to me
I gonna buy me a ticket now, as far as I can
Ain't a-never comin' back
Ride me a Southbound
All the way to Georgia now
Till the train run out of track
Can't you see oh can't you see
What that woman, she been doin' to me
Can't you see, can't you see
What that woman, she been doin' to me, oh lord
Can't you see oh can't you see
What that woman lord she been doin' to me
Can't you see oh can't you see
What that woman, she been doin' to me
Can't you see (oh she's such a crazy lady) can't you see
What that woman (what a woman) she been doin' to me
Can't you see (lord I can't stand) oh can't you see
What that woman, oh she been doin' to me
Can't you see (I'm gonna take a freight train) can't you see
(I'm down at the station lord) what that woman (ain't never gonna go back) been doin' to me
Can't you see oh can't you see (gonna ride me the southbound)
(All the way to Georgia) what that woman (till the train run out of track) been doin' to me
The song "Can't You See" by The Marshall Tucker Band is a soulful and gritty southern rock tune that conveys the pain and heartache of unrequited love. The opening verse details a man's desire to escape his current situation and the woman who has caused him so much pain. He plans to take a freight train and climb a mountain, even contemplating suicide. However, he ultimately decides to leave town for good, as far away as possible from his torment.
The chorus is a plea for understanding and empathy, as the singer asks if anyone can see what this woman has been doing to him. The repetitive nature of the chorus emphasizes the intensity of the singer's pain, as he continually questions whether anyone can truly understand what he's going through.
The final verses continue the theme of leaving behind this troubled relationship, with the singer buying a one-way ticket to Georgia and vowing never to return. The repeating refrain and the impassioned delivery of the lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of heartache and desperation that comes with abandoning something that once meant so much.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna take a freight train, down at the station
I plan on leaving town and I don't care how I get there
I don't care where it goes
I'm not sure where I'm headed and I don't really care
Gonna climb me a mountain, the highest mountain
I'm going to test my limits and take on a challenge
Jump off, nobody gonna know
I might take risks, but I don't necessarily want anyone to witness them
Can't you see oh can't you see
Don't you understand or realize
What that woman, she been doin' to me
The woman I was with has caused me pain or heartbreak
I'm gonna find me a hole in the wall
I need to disappear or hide from the world
I gonna crawl inside and die
I feel like giving up and don't see a way out
'Cause my lady now, mean ol' woman lord, never told me goodbye
My ex-partner left me without any closure or explanation, which hurts deeply
I gonna buy me a ticket now, as far as I can
I'm going to leave this place for good, no matter the cost
Ain't a-never comin' back
I have no intention of returning, ever
Ride me a Southbound
I'll go as far south as I can, to distance myself from the past
Till the train run out of track
I'll keep going until there's nowhere left to run, or until I find some peace
Can't you see (oh she's such a crazy lady) can't you see
Really, don't you see
What that woman (what a woman) she been doin' to me
I'm still reeling from the hurt that the woman caused me
Can't you see (lord I can't stand) oh can't you see
I can't take it anymore. Can't you see that?
Can't you see (I'm gonna take a freight train) can't you see
I'm leaving and I don't care what anyone thinks
(I'm down at the station lord) what that woman (ain't never gonna go back) been doin' to me
I'm not sticking around to be hurt again, I'm done
Can't you see oh can't you see (gonna ride me the southbound)
Have you not realized
(All the way to Georgia) what that woman (till the train run out of track) been doin' to me
I'll keep going until there's nowhere left to run, or until I find some peace
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Toy Caldwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ruththielen9521
I am 57 years old. Playing flute in church for a few years. Play this song with a rock band tonight for the 1st time on my live on stage can't tell you how glorious I feel
@MicheleACosci
keep on going bro !
@darkerSolstice
That's so exciting! Congrats!
@jeremyc9593
@@MicheleACosci Bro? Are there many guys named Ruth?
@MicheleACosci
@@jeremyc9593 Begging your pardon, Sir. No there aren't. This name is not so common where i come from. I apologize.
@jeremyc9593
@@MicheleACosci No worries
@Dudleymiddleton
Songs like this don't die, they get richer with age. Utterly brilliant.
@sharone420
YOU are spot ON !!!
@douglase.palensr8340
Forever a fan. Saw them live in concert once in the early 70s and then my wife and I stopped at a place on east colonial Dr they were playing there for one night that was in 1984. 350 people max...Fantastic show. Unbelievable that they were playing there. Lost my hearing for a few hours but it was worth it. The best of Southern rock and roll....
@dangre00
mm hmm