Can't Get Close

Sampha's song 'Can't Get Close' is a poignant exploration of longing and the emotional distance that can exist between loved ones. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning and frustration, as the narrator grapples with the inability to connect with someone who is profoundly important to them. This theme is immediately evident in the repeated refrain, 'Can't get, no I can't get close,' which underscores the persistent struggle to bridge the emotional gap.

In the first verse, Sampha addresses his father and mother, suggesting a familial context to his feelings of distance. The mention of his mother doing alright because 'God's listening' hints at a reliance on faith to cope with the absence or loss of a loved one. The line 'Your love, it was falling' indicates a deterioration in the relationship, further emphasizing the emotional chasm that has developed. The repetition of 'maybe all I care about is you' highlights the centrality of this person in the narrator's life, despite the growing distance.

The chorus amplifies the sense of helplessness and desire for closeness. The imagery of someone walking out the door and the narrator's plea for more connection ('all I want is more') paints a vivid picture of abandonment and unfulfilled emotional needs. The lines 'Oh, love you've taken me over' and 'Oh love you've taken me apart' suggest that the intensity of the narrator's feelings is both overwhelming and destructive. This duality captures the essence of love's power to both elevate and devastate, making the inability to get close even more painful.

Sampha's soulful delivery and the haunting melody further enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics. His music often blends elements of R&B, electronic, and soul, creating a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive. 'Can't Get Close' is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet evocative language, resonating deeply with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of longing and separation.