Never Enough
The Toll Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Often wonder when we′re alone
What you're thinking of?
When I look into your troubled eyes
I see a setting sun

With the vacant stare you′ve left me there
And you are somewhere else
Not there by yourself

I can never be enough
'Cause I can't give you what you want
I can never be enough
′Cause I can′t give you what you want

So it seems that the harder I try
The higher you make me climb
With every step I take I seem to fall further behind

I promise myself a thousand times
I would not told this heavy lyin'
Can′t let you go even though I know

You are somewhere else
You're not there by yourself

I can never be enough
′Cause I can't give you what you want
I can never be enough
′Cause I can't give you what you want

I can never be enough
'Cause I can′t give you what you want
I can never be enough
′Cause I can't give you what you want
What do you want from me?

Cry in a silent prayer
There is someone somewhere
Lonely as it can give you everything
If that is what you want

I often wonder when we′re alone
What you're thinking of?
When I look into your distant eyes

You are somewhere else
You′re not there by yourself

I can never be enough
'Cause I can′t give you what you want
I can never be enough
'Cause I won't give you what you want

I can never be enough
′Cause I can′t give you what you want
I can never be enough
'Cause I won′t give you what you want

I can never be enough
I can never be enough
You're not by yourself

I can′t give you, I can't give you
I can′t give you what you want




I can't give you, I can't give you
I can′t give you what you want

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Never Enough" by The Toll express the singer's frustration and inner turmoil in a relationship. The song begins with the singer questioning what their partner is thinking when they are alone together. They notice that their partner has troubled eyes, which the singer interprets as a sign of an impending end to their relationship, symbolized by a setting sun.


The second verse reflects the singer's efforts to please their partner, but no matter how hard they try, their efforts go unnoticed. With each step they take to make things better, they feel like they are falling further behind. The singer promises themselves repeatedly that they won't continue lying or holding onto the relationship, but they find it difficult to let go, even though they know their partner isn't fully present.


The chorus repeats the sentiment that the singer can never be enough for their partner because they are unable to provide what their partner truly desires. Throughout the song, the singer grapples with their own limitations and the knowledge that they can't fulfill their partner's desires.


Overall, "Never Enough" explores the feeling of inadequacy and the struggle to meet someone else's expectations in a relationship. The lyrics depict a sense of resignation and self-awareness, understanding that they cannot satisfy their partner's needs.


Line by Line Meaning

Often wonder when we′re alone
I often contemplate what goes through your mind when we are in our own company


What you're thinking of?
What thoughts occupy your mind?


When I look into your troubled eyes
As I gaze into your troubled eyes


I see a setting sun
I perceive a metaphorical sunset, symbolizing the end of something


With the vacant stare you′ve left me there
Your empty gaze has left me feeling abandoned


And you are somewhere else
Your mind seems to be elsewhere


Not there by yourself
Not present in your own thoughts


I can never be enough
I am incapable of fulfilling your desires


'Cause I can't give you what you want
Because I am unable to provide you with the things you desire


So it seems that the harder I try
It appears that the more effort I put in


The higher you make me climb
The more you push me to ascend


With every step I take I seem to fall further behind
With each stride I take, I feel myself slipping farther away from success


I promise myself a thousand times
I have made countless promises to myself


I would not told this heavy lyin'
I would not continue to carry this burden of deceit


Can′t let you go even though I know
I cannot release you from my grasp, despite being aware


You are somewhere else
Your thoughts stray elsewhere


You're not there by yourself
You are not present within your own mind


I can never be enough
I am inadequate


′Cause I can't give you what you want
Since I cannot provide you with your desires


So what do you want from me?
What is it that you desire from me?


Cry in a silent prayer
Weep through a wordless plea


There is someone somewhere
There exists another individual somewhere


Lonely as it can give you everything
Desolate as it may be, it has the ability to offer you everything


If that is what you want
If that is indeed your desire


I can never be enough
I am incapable of satisfying you


′Cause I won't give you what you want
Because I choose not to provide you with your desires


I can never be enough
I am perpetually inadequate


You're not by yourself
You are not alone


I can't give you, I can't give you
I am unable to provide you, I cannot grant you


I can′t give you what you want
I cannot fulfill your desires


I can't give you, I can't give you
I am unable to provide you, I cannot grant you


I can′t give you what you want
I cannot fulfill your desires




Writer(s): Bradley Joseph Circone, Brett Eric Mayo, Gregory H Bartram, Rick Silk

Contributed by Mila T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Tim Coulon


on Jonathan Toledo

Would love to see The Toll play again. Saw them whenever they came to Indianapolis. Listen to their two CDs regularly ... still! God bless The Toll!

More Versions