"Can't Be Sure" was the 1989 debut single by the British alternative pop gr… Read Full Bio ↴"Can't Be Sure" was the 1989 debut single by the British alternative pop group The Sundays. It was the first (and in the UK, only) single to be released from their album Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, which appeared a year later. The B-side was "I Kicked a Boy", which also appeared on the album. The 12" single contained an additional, non-album track, "Don't Tell Your Mother".
The song's lyrical theme is "desire", treated as a general concept rather than being directed towards anything or anyone in particular.
The single was voted number one in John Peel's Festive Fifty for 1989.

Can't Be Sure
The Sundays Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Why cry

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
The worst that I could find
And did you know desire's a terrible thing
But I rely on mine, a-ah

England my country the home of the free, such miserable weather
But England's as happy as England can be
Why cry

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
The worst that I could find
And did you know desire's a terrible thing
But I rely on mine
Did you know desire's a terrible thing
It makes the world go blind
But if desire, desire's a terrible thing
You know that I really don't mind

And it's my life
And though I can't be sure what I want any more
It will come to me later
Well it's my life, and it's my life

And though I can't be sure if I want any more
It will come to me later, ah, yeah

Overall Meaning

The Sundays' song "Can't Be Sure" is all about a young person's desire and confusion. The singer wants many things in life: a story, possessions, love, luck, money, a perfect behind, and something to live for. However, they cannot be sure what they really want, and they acknowledge this fact multiple times throughout the song. The lyrics suggest that desire is a terrible thing because it blinds people from what they truly need in life. Despite this, the singer relies on their desires and does not mind the fact that they cannot be sure of their goals at the moment. The song touches on the general confusion and uncertainty of youth and emphasizes the importance of taking one's time to figure out what they truly want in life.

The chorus of the song focuses on how happy England is despite its miserable weather. The singer wants to embrace this happiness and not be bothered by the uncertainty of their desires. They acknowledge that they cannot be sure what they want, but they are confident that they will figure it out later in life.

Overall, "Can't Be Sure" is a song about the confusion and anxiety that comes with youth. It is a relatable message that encourages listeners to take their time in figuring out what they truly want in life.

Line by Line Meaning

Give me a story and give me a bed
I want to create and rest, to experience and dream

Give me possessions
I want material things, maybe too much

Oh love luck and money they go to my head like wildfire
These three things are intoxicating and consuming

It's good to have something to live for you'll find
Purpose brings meaning and fulfillment

Live for tomorrow
Look to the future with hope and optimism

Live for a job and a perfect behind, high time
Pursue success and beauty, seize the moment

England my country the home of the free, such miserable weather
My homeland is free but the climate is dreary

But England's as happy as England can be
The people are content within their limitations

Why cry
There's no use complaining or being unhappy

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
Desire can be a destructive force

The worst that I could find
It's caused me pain and disappointment

But I rely on mine, a-ah
Yet I cling to my desires, despite the risks

Did you know desire's a terrible thing
It bears repeating the dangers of unchecked impulses

It makes the world go blind
It can distract and distort reality

But if desire, desire's a terrible thing
But even with its faults, I accept it

You know that I really don't mind
Because it's my choice and my life

And it's my life
Ultimately, I am responsible for my own destiny

And though I can't be sure what I want any more
I'm uncertain of my own desires and path

It will come to me later
Perhaps clarity will arrive with time and experience

Well it's my life, and it's my life
I must claim ownership of my decisions and circumstances

And though I can't be sure if I want any more
Despite the confusion, I must keep moving forward

It will come to me later, ah, yeah
I trust that answers will eventually reveal themselves

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID GAVURIN, HARRIET WHEELER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

J Lerm

6y↑142

Give me a story and give me a bed
Give me possessions
Oh love luck and money they go to my head like wildfire
It's good to have something to live for you'll find
Live for tomorrow
Live for a job and a perfect behind, high time
England my country the home of the free, such miserable weather
But England's as happy as England can be
Why cry

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
The worst that I could find
And did you know desire's a terrible thing
But I rely on mine, a-ah

England my country the home of the free, such miserable weather
But England's as happy as England can be
Why cry

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
The worst that I could find
And did you know desire's a terrible thing
But I rely on mine
Did you know desire's a terrible thing
It makes the world go blind
But if desire, desire's a terrible thing
You know that I really don't mind

And it's my life
And though I can't be sure what I want any more
It will come to me later
Well it's my life, and it's my life
And though I can't be sure if I want any more
It will come to me later, ah, yeah

aram martinez

5y↑2

Give me a story and give me a bed
Give me possessions
Oh love, luck and money they go to my head like wildfire
It's good to have something to live for, you'll find
Live for tomorrow
Live for a job and a perfect behind, high time

England my country, the home of the free
Such miserable weather
But England's as happy as England can be
Why cry?

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
The worst that I can find
And did you know desire's a terrible thing
But I rely on mine
Aa-ah

England my country, the home of the free
Such miserable weather
But England's as happy as England can be
Why cry?

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
The worst that I can find
And did you know desire's a terrible thing
But I rely on mine
Did you know desire's a terrible thing
It makes the world go blind
But if desire, desire's a terrible thing
You know that I really don't mind

And it's my life
And it's my life
And though I can't be sure what I want any more
It will come to me later
Well it's my life
And it's my life
And though I can't be sure if I want any more
It will come to me later
Ye-e-eah

All comments from YouTube:

Bob Atkins

7y↑483

This is easily my favourite Sunday's song.I'm 74 and Harriet has the most beautiful female singing voice I have ever heard.

Scott Strand

6y↑20

Bob Atkins I'm 63 and in full agreement with you! Please come back for all of us, SUNDAYS!

vhayashi

5y↑13

Yes!!! Most beautiful voice ever!

Twelve Gates

5y↑12

Hideous Towns is my favourite from The Sundays!

Timothy Thompson

5y↑8

Very good judge mate your age doesn't even come into it a great voice is a great voice near about time we heard it again 👍

Sodica

5y↑9

Im 39 and youre allrigjht dude

25 More Replies...

Olivia

4y↑140

One of my all-time favourite songs. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic is pure magic from start to finish

Nigel Kelly

3y↑4

Olivia it's a perfect album I totally agree with you

Prairie Dog

3y↑2

In my top 10 ALL time albums, no question.

D.R.

3y↑5

Absolutely. You can listen from start to end and it just flows together so magically.

Eden Brough

3y↑2

Yep!

Steven Fraser The Dog Daddy

1y↑2

Lost in the midst of the 90s britpop scene, like so many, so underrated. But beautiful music 🥰❤️

1 More Replies...

hotgirlsarehot

12y↑53

Not going to lie, but I get teary eyed listening to this song and get goosebumps from Harriet's youthful voice/range in this. Beautiful song, so addicting --you hear pride, confidence and a hit of desperation. Glad I JUST discovered The Sundays recently. Thanks YouTube!

lovetroublecat

1y↑1

First time I heard it was instantly impressed

Dixon Cox

3y↑98

Instant chills listening to Harriet’s voice in June of 2021.

Jamie Vidd

2y↑6

And in 2022

l quinn

2y↑1

Meh

Rossana

2y↑2

@Jamie Vidd today 2022

brikster00

Listening today reminds me why I played it over and over when it came out...

helsbells4769

43w↑1

June 2023

Authentic Gay Blog

6y↑132

29 years later and it still sounds fresh

M. 2018

5y↑3

👍✌️

kagokass

9y↑207

So many nice little melodies here. And when she finally goes "It´s my life..." at 2.35, with guitar playing such a sunny lick, this is my favourite moment in the rock history.

Forastieri

8y↑5

+kagokass That part always catches me.

RJacklin

7y↑3

Man you need to listen to a LOT more rock.

kagokass

7y↑15

well it´s a free world and i had my share of rock already. so many interesting stuff elsewhere.

moggy morris

7y↑2

I would rather listen my dog bark than listen to "RAWK!"

asr070568

7y↑7

kagokass Sooo wish on the reply to, ahem, Holymakinaw, you had said "It's my life" instead of "it's a free world"...

11 More Replies...

emiero

4y↑29

I just heard this song for the first time, and I think I will love it for the rest of my life. Pure beauty.

jimpanzer07

14y↑15

Miss the Sundays, really never knew why they where not more popular - awesome band, great songs, and a fantastic vocalist! What more could you ask for?

Francisco Pinto

44w

So fine

John Michaud

11y↑34

So melancholy...The Sundays were pop perfection. 2:35 still gives me goosebumps 20 years later.

Joey Bowie

41w↑3

I discovered The Sundays about a year ago. What a blessing upon my life. This song is so beautiful. Harriet Wheeler has the voice of an angel.

David Lea

8y↑101

I cannot put into words how great this record is. Ah, youthful Spring memories!

Mike Guinness

8y↑8

One of the best 'complete albums' I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Totally sucked me in and I'm glad for it.

Bob Atkins

6y↑2

Totally agree,it just doesn't get much better than this.

v-town1980

6y↑4

David Lea lol. Same here. Bought this in the Summer of '90 and listening to it always takes me back to being 16.

Authentic Gay Blog

its a great track

Crush Thy Flowers

10y↑61

Her voice is so sweet and vibrant at the same time. I love them.

JC

2y↑14

This song should be the national anthem for England, so beautiful, so evocative, the most spine tingling melodies and instrumentation. One of the greatest songs ever made.

Mr Fish

25w

I have honestly never heard a more beautiful voice ever, she is truly magical

Collapsible Chair

4y↑18

Their best song. It has a beautiful vibe that reminds me of a late September evening.

George Doyle

6y↑28

Such a beautiful voice. What she does with melody comes across so heartfelt. Gives you that funny ache in the chest that men from my generation tried to suppress. A sense of yearning very moving, romantic and genuine. I hope you found love in the end Harriet. Thanks for sharing.
👍👍👍❤

Clive Borg

5y↑8

Nearly thirty years now married to David Gavurin, so it's great to think that she did. :)

mtn7224

Well said

Thullin

yeah there is something just so wholesome, sweet,pure,real and poetic about this woman and her voice......everytime i listen to the sundays it makes me quit porn for that day.lol

Paul Smith

10y↑33

Iconic sound that was so different then and is still. Loved her voice so so much.

Peter Mikkalson

14y↑11

The Sundays toured behind both LP's in America. I'd seen them twice in MN. I cried when Harriet sang her first note that nite. Beautiful, Crystaline, Magic.

iliana winston

5y↑12

Takes me back to a great chapter in my life. Favorite female vocalist of all time.

jiminycracker

one of the very few singing voices i have ever heard in my entire life that can make me cry just by listening :)

robert atkins

11y↑11

Can't find words to say how beautiful this is,perfection

Phillip [Last Name Redacted]

50w

A great great indie band. They should have been around a lot longer. It’s so sad I cry 😭 when I hear this song

J Lerm

6y↑142

dy ghro

5y↑19

@Man In The Wilderness Maybe for non-english speakers?
It was helpful for me, at least.

Online Man

4y↑12

@Man In The Wilderness Whats wrong with it?

Willtakemorethan_

4y↑11

@Man In The Wilderness How is posting lyrics dumb?

Celeste Williams

3y↑13

What a tool. I love knowing the lyrics! ❤

3 More Replies...

benjamin upton

14y↑2

ive never heard a voice so pure,this song is artwork,i have to hear this once a week at least.

john carter

31w

The Sundays lifted pop music to a whole new level.

HenryWaltonJones

11y↑16

Of all the bands who are cashing in (some say selling their soul)and touring after xxx amount of years,this is the one band I'd pay anything to see again.Might be the whole sentimental aspect going on but fuck me what a band and what a debut album!!!

NW London Time Machine

One of my favourite songs of that time. Takes me back.

Miguel Gómez Villarino

6y↑9

Sounds as melancholic as listening to a Sundays record on an autumn sunday afternoon

Rich Bland

2y↑6

She certainly has an incredible voice, up there with the angelic Elizabeth Fraser....

theone456

1y↑1

I hear a bjork influence in her as well

darkmantis

11y↑15

Is anyone else's voice so beautiful? Wish they would come back :)

dustybin1969

Kate Walsh?

old, new & future school

4y↑1

she does sing like a songbird . she has a high range , and she even sings higher in falsetto . correct me if wrong but she seems to sing as loud in falsetto as in normal range . I have never heard that before . any of us can sing falsetto but our volume is lower in higher notes falsetto . but with her its just as loud . never heard that before, even in the best of singers when they go into falsetto higher range . and Harriet shifts so seamlessly into falsetto and back n forth . amazing .

Jamie Vidd

4y↑6

There is nobody who can sing like Harriet. She will go down as my favorite ever. A true original gem.

William Iles

2y↑2

This song and Harriests Voice - Just "WOW" miss them so much!!

tightyellowshorts

2y↑1

Saw them at a small bar in Seattle during this tour. 50-75 people there, got to stand maybe 5' from Harriet. Whole band was great; they played their entire first album, and maybe another song. Then came back for an encore, and Harriet said, with the cutest posh accent, "Ummm, we don't have any more songs. So we'll sing this one again." And they played this one for the 2nd time.

Alec Chambers

52w↑1

Harriet is absolutely dreamy. So is this song. Reminds me of when it was new, and I was 22. The chaps and I in our band would have pints and listen to this album. Its tight, well produced and the songs are as good as you want. Reminds me of summer when the world was still shiny and bright. Love this song.

Laura McFett

12y↑1

harriet wheeler has the voice of an angel, the sundays music is timeless and beautiful, and got me threw many a rough time! i wish so much that they would come back! there last album was 1997!

Steve Bates

13y↑1

After all these years of listening to The Sundays, i still think they are awesome. And the more I listen to "static & silence" I hope all the more that they make one more album at least. Pleeaasee!!! And you are absolutley right DonaldHope. They Have the IT Factor completely. They lack nothing in their genre.

False Flag Attack Windows Me

I bought reading writing and arithmetic on cassette in my early twenties. I got all of the Sundays albums. I couldn't pick one that was better than the others.
But my favourite is goodbye (that is the song. The album is called Blind) :p. I have listened to it hundreds of times.
Music is healing. The Sundays have been part of the soundtrack of my life. So grateful for this music.

jtropic26

13y

I don't care for many female vocalists....Harriet has always been in my top3 of all time....she has an ethereal quality to her voice. Their music brought me through some tough times....still love it to this day. Nothing like it.

leslee king

7y↑2

This literally is my #1 jam of all time.

Hayley Crawford

2y↑1

What a song! What a band! What a album 😀🎉

David Meredith

9y↑15

Just an amazing song sung by an Amazing singer!!!

George Crowell

2y↑4

I was 19 when this came out, and this was the first song from the record heard, playing on WLIR in someone's car. The music was amazing, and Harriet's voice was the most angelic and beautiful voice I had ever heard. I immediately the bough the record, and in time the second and third. Whenever I am feeling down I listen to their music as it is cathartic and soothing. I wish they wouldn't have faded away, but glad we have what they gave us. Thank you Sundays.

radio frequency Interference

8y↑20

I love this band in every way
I wish they'd put out a new Album

Jöran Herr

Better not .. look at The Primitives coming out their Grave ...brr ;))

lovetroublecat

Just a wee tour

Suntracks Television

What a wonderful, wonderful song.

Livempire Games

8y↑1

Without a doubt this is the voice of an angel for sure. I really hate to not listen to her in a concert. I hope someone can sing as well as her in the future.

The King's Servant

The Sundays are way up there and not as well known as they should be...like XTC....incredible music that was partially overlooked for some inexplicable reason....but I love it as much if not even more than when it came out. The Sundays is one of the few bands that has survived time for me. You leave a lot of music behind....but the Sundays outlasted. That's how you know its worth.

Suzanne Walker

6y↑2

This is my favourite album I absolutely love it.

Jeff G

8y↑69

I was in Georgia
just out of basic training in 1990 when this record came out and I loved it so much and still do.

Qwertty

4y↑1

Are you a seaferer sir ?what do you mean by saying taking your basic training? This music is sow good. When your navigating thru panama canal. Hehe just sharing sir. Thankyou

J Chan

3y↑3

Beautiful lead singer, beautiful song and beautiful voice

Matt Myers

5y↑158

Harriet Wheeler's pipes are not of this earth. Love The Sundays. Please come back.

Stéphen Edward Waterstram

4y↑7

I've been crying for them to come back since My springtime! Now I'm Over the Hill!

Prairie Dog

3y↑4

Angelic..

Neil

3y↑4

Amazing voice!

sal barracca

3y↑4

Harriet would now be 57 years old and hopefully still has her voice

Yagsi Namagoy

Mhhhnnn Ha!

1 More Replies...

Stephen Davies

11y↑1

Sundays still sound so fresh, so vibrant and so damn awesome! :)))

MplsMark

The Sundays were such a fresh sound all those years ago, I still find them just as good as ever. Harriet is so beautiful, just a treat.

Danny Gee

2y↑5

The best hidden gem of that era

forreal918

13y↑1

back in the day when talent sold records.... this little soprano could change to higher octaves in an instant and still be clear..... amazing!

Andy Shaw

Could listen to this all day. Just magical. Harriet has a simply amazing voice. Been a fan for years.

Timothy Thompson

6y↑6

Finest voice of a generation !

Lecky Man

14y

This song was the first i ever heard of The Sundays... I immediately fell in love with Harriet's voice and have continued to listen to them over 20 years later. They deserve to come back for a tour, wish they would!!

Epyat Rotceh

Excelente voz, sin trucos. Viva The Sundays.

José Luis Chávez Romero

10y↑20

oh my ...harriet's voice is always delightful to hear.

asanmartinjr07

The first time I heard the Sundays’ music & Harriet’s voice brought tears to my eyes! I was lucky enough to see them in concert twice, once in Austin, TX in 1992 & again in San Antonio, TX in 1993. The whole concert was magical!!!! I wish they would have stayed together longer or reunited & created more music!

djhillfinger

1y↑1

A couple of years ago i was on holiday camping in Devon in my old green 1980 vw camper van, the sun was going down and my little 3 year old girl was in the drivers seat pretending to drive, this song came on the radio and it instantly became one of our favourite songs, i only have to put it on now and within 2 seconds she will come running over shouting our favourite song, will remember that moment forever

Lady Gaga

This song.... the pure bliss it gives me. Makes me think of the magic of life. Amazing... Thank you guys for making such amazing music. COME TO OKLAHOMAAAAA

Phil Malley

9y↑34

And did you know desire's a terrible thing
The worst that I can find
And did you know desire's a terrible thing
But I rely on mine
Aa-ah

More than 25 years on and the song still entrances me with those poetical lyrics and Harriets beautiful voice with its hint of accent.

christo792

3y↑1

Number 1 in John Peel's Festive 50 of 1989.
A great way to end a splendid decade.
And a great intro to an excellent one.

Lee Huff

8y↑15

Absolutely beautiful everything about it .

Angie Guest

Got every album they did everyone a gem & still listen today ...classic band 💞

Womper Bushcraft

11y↑6

Too bad the story ended. I really do miss their musical tapestry of jangling guitars and her lovely voice.

Baron Kimball

42w

Greatest album ever

DeathAndTaxes

It’s 2020 and her voice and their music still haunts us til today. Oh how strange it is that we no longer hear the same beautiful and well written music today... Sad life we wonder!

Steven Fraser The Dog Daddy

Such a beautiful voice, love Harriet, one of the great bands of the 90s ❤️❤️❤️

gradmania

14y

!!!!!!!!!! Haven't heard this in something like 15 years.... wow. Just amazing, I was fairly young when my parents played The Sundays all that time ago and I remember it so vividly... sometimes music isn't how you remember it but this song has lost absolutely nothing in that time, if anything I can appreciate it more

fred smith

5y↑2

So good! I remember hearing this song in the late 80’s when indie music was in. What a Song!

Stephen Ian Thomson

Masterpiece

Martin Irish

10y↑4

I used to love this song, it's up there with my top ten, still think it's great!

luis alberto amarilla jimenez

Te transporta a un mundo mas feliz....UNA DE LAS VOCES QUE ME TIENEN CAUTIVADO.

Nigel Bevan

Possibly the best song The Sundays ever did..... Absolutely bloomin fantastic.........

CTompkinsYT

I have such an odd memory associated with this song whenever I hear it. It always reminds me of this very specific time, a dreary fall day during my second year at university, sitting in a Finite Mathematics class with this song ringing in my head and desperate for class to end so I could get back to my CD player and put this album on blast. To this day still one of my all time favorite albums.

Jake Bohannan

April 29 2022, this song still gives me chills. I wonder how Harriet is doing nowadays?

Keith Barrett

12y

This is in my top ten 80's tracks, stunning is all I can say

The Wild Birds

41w↑1

Indie 4 ever. I turned 16 in 1989. What a year!

Chocolate Pumpkin

I heard a really atmospheric version of this song by a band called Seven Words and it made me want to check this out as I didn't know the original...classic dreampop.

Jayyy667

6y↑1

Love this band

Greg Baltzell

12y

Absolutely a great album and song!! ;)

BraziLike

1y↑1

Saudades ❤

SwordSinging

The song, the video seamlessly perfect. My favorite of theirs. 😀

Salvador García

What a beautiful song, harriet's voice is so gorgeous

aram martinez

5y↑2

cheesecarrots

12y

For some reason I keep this song on repeat as sort of a preparation for the new year. Make sure to keep my head in the right place :)

The Sundays Music

5y↑1

Pure poetry

Mike O'Leary

What a song and what a time.

67Qzpm

8y↑38

Not enough is said of Patrick Hannan's drumming; it makes the song. Man I Miss the Sunday's! But I believe Patrick still plays in a band called Folly

Pete felix

💯 % this drum pattern is hard

Jonnie Woz

2y↑3

Brings me to tears every time

sharrison586

12y↑1

this album is PERFECT.

Michael Martinez

The Sundays are just so lovely... I am so glad I caught them live here in Seattle.

I recommend checking this out: Can't Be Sure (The Sundays) - Sarah Jarosz - Live from Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg1TYrfc_k4

This cover came up on my feed, and I gotta say it is pretty damn good. It is Chris Theil's (mandocello) NPR show Live From Here featuring the amazing Sarah Jarosz on vocals only, although she is a very capable mandocellist and guitarist herself. I am rather intrigued that someone so young, and that predominantly performs in a more Folk, Americana singer-songwriter style, how she came to this song. Was it Chris Thile's suggestion or did Sarah present the tune as a candidate to him? My guess is that it was her idea based on her passionate performance here, but I guess some mysteries must just lie there...