How Can I Not Love You

Joy Enriquez's song "How Can I Not Love You" delves into the painful reality of a love that, despite its intensity, cannot be fulfilled. The lyrics poignantly express the struggle of two people who are deeply in love but are forced to stay apart. The repeated phrases like "Cannot Touch, Cannot Hold" and "Cannot Love, Cannot Kiss" emphasize the physical and emotional barriers that prevent them from being together. This creates a sense of longing and frustration, as the lovers must suppress their true feelings and pretend that their relationship is over.

The chorus serves as the emotional core of the song, posing rhetorical questions that highlight the internal conflict faced by the narrator. Questions like "How Can I Not Love You" and "What Do I Tell My Heart" reveal the impossibility of simply turning off one's emotions. The lyrics also touch on the difficulty of moving on from shared memories and the pain of missing someone who is no longer present. This resonates with anyone who has experienced a love that, for various reasons, could not be sustained.

The song also speaks to the themes of bravery and strength. Lines such as "Must Be Strong" and "Must Be Brave" suggest that the lovers must muster the courage to face their reality, even though it means enduring emotional pain. The repeated insistence on not saying "what we've known all along" underscores the tragic nature of their situation—they are fully aware of their love but must act as if it doesn't exist. This adds a layer of melancholy to the song, making it a poignant exploration of unfulfilled love and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it.