Why Can't I Have You

Gloria Laing's song 'Why Can't I Have You' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and frustration, as the narrator grapples with the reality that the person they desire does not reciprocate their feelings. The opening lines, 'I can't see your face now / If I let you go / Will you come back another time?' set the tone for the song, highlighting the uncertainty and hope that the narrator clings to. This sense of anticipation and the desire for a future encounter underscores the emotional depth of the song.

The chorus, 'Why can't I have you, baby? / Why can't I get you, baby?' is a poignant expression of the narrator's frustration and confusion. The repetition of these lines emphasizes the intensity of their feelings and the helplessness they experience. The lyrics 'Waste our love on things that will never give it back' suggest a sense of futility and the realization that their love may never be returned. This theme of wasted love and time is a central element of the song, reflecting the pain of investing emotionally in someone who does not feel the same way.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of self-doubt and introspection. The narrator questions their own worth and the reasons why they are not enough for the person they love. Lines like 'I'm not what you want babe' and 'Don't bend your rules / If you don't want to / But I think you do' reveal a deep sense of insecurity and a willingness to conform to the other person's desires. This internal struggle adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it a relatable and heartfelt exploration of unrequited love and the emotional challenges that come with it.