Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
I Can't Stop
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feelin' so good inside
I used to be blue
'Cause I never knew
You could be mine
I can't stop
I'm burstin' out with pride
'Cause I never had
You by my side
And then one day
You walked my way
I met you
Just wouldn't let you
Get out of my sight, girl
'Cause you were so right, girl
The minute I might, girl
You got me uptight, girl
I can't stop
I've got to tell the world
That you wanted me
So, I'm gonna be
Truer than true
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
Then one day
You walked my way
I met you
I just couldn't let you
Get out my sight, girl
Cause you were so right, girl
For a minute I might, girl
You're so out of sight, girl
I can't stop
I've got to tell the world
Baby
I can't stop
I've got to tell the world
Baby, baby
I can't stop
The Turtles' song "I Can't Stop" is a jubilant celebration of finding true love. The singer is elated because he has finally found the girl of his dreams and he can't contain his excitement. He used to be sad and blue because he never knew that he could find someone like her, but now that they are together, he is bursting with pride and happiness. The song is filled with exuberant energy and a sense of pure joy.
The lyrics in the song are simple but effective. One interesting aspect of the song is the repeated use of the phrase "I can't stop". This repetition emphasizes the singer's inability to contain his feelings and his overwhelming desire to tell everyone about his good fortune. The verses are structured in a way that builds up to the chorus, where the singer repeats "I can't stop" and shares his excitement with the world.
Another interesting aspect of the song is the use of girl-group harmonies. The Turtles were known for blending folk-rock and pop influences, and their vocal harmonies often resembled those of the girl groups popular in the early 1960s. In "I Can't Stop," the vocal arrangement is filled with bright, layered harmonies that add to the upbeat, joyous tone of the song.
"I Can't Stop" was released on The Turtles' 1968 album "The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands," and it was written by the group's members Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman. The song was not released as a single, but it remains a beloved deep cut among fans of the band.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't stop
I am unable to stop expressing my current state of happiness and joy.
Feelin' so good inside
I am overwhelmed with positive emotions and a sense of contentment.
I used to be blue
I was once unhappy and lacked confidence in myself and my abilities.
'Cause I never knew
This feeling of happiness and contentment was something that I never experienced or anticipated before.
You could be mine
Meeting and being with you is what has led to me feeling this way.
I'm burstin' out with pride
I am so proud of the relationship that we have and the happiness it brings me that I cannot contain my excitement.
I used to be sad
I was once a person who lacked happiness and positivity in my life.
'Cause I never had
This feeling of happiness and fulfillment was something that was missing from my life before meeting you.
You by my side
Being with you and having you in my life is what has brought me this newfound happiness and positivity.
And then one day
On a particular day, something happened that changed my life for the better.
You walked my way
You came into my life unexpectedly and without warning.
I met you
We were introduced to each other and ended up spending time together.
Just wouldn't let you
After meeting you, I was determined to not let you leave my life.
Get out of my sight, girl
I did not want you to leave the area where we met and wanted to continue spending time with you.
'Cause you were so right, girl
I felt such a strong connection and attraction to you that I knew you were the right person for me.
The minute I might, girl
As soon as I considered the possibility of being with you, I was hooked and could not let you go.
You got me uptight, girl
Being with you made me both nervous and excited at the same time.
I've got to tell the world
I feel so strongly about the relationship that we have that I want to share it with everyone around me.
That you wanted me
It means so much to me to know that you feel the same way about me that I do about you.
So, I'm gonna be
I am determined to be the best partner that I can be in order to make our relationship last.
Truer than true
I am committed to being honest and loyal to you for the rest of our lives together.
For a minute I might, girl
Even if there was a moment when I doubted us, I know now that it was only temporary and our love is real.
You're so out of sight, girl
I am completely in awe of you and your love, and I never want to lose it.
Baby
A term of endearment used when addressing my significant other.
Baby, baby
Repeated use of the term of endearment to emphasize my affection and love for you.
Writer(s): Howard Blaikley
Contributed by Gabriel G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.