Only You Can

Sasha Alex Sloan's song "Only You Can" delves into the painful reality of loving someone struggling with addiction. The lyrics poignantly capture the frustration and helplessness felt by someone who desperately wants to help a loved one but realizes that true change can only come from within. The repeated pleas and the acknowledgment of broken promises highlight the cyclical nature of addiction and the emotional toll it takes on relationships.

The song's chorus emphasizes the limitations of external support. Despite the narrator's willingness to help and their deep emotional investment, they recognize that they cannot force the person to change. The metaphor of not being able to take the bottle out of their hand symbolizes the core message: recovery is a personal journey that requires the individual's own desire and effort. This realization is both a moment of clarity and a source of sorrow for the narrator, who wishes they could do more.

In the bridge, Sloan offers a glimmer of hope and unwavering support, promising to be there if the person ever decides to seek help. This part of the song underscores the importance of unconditional love and the readiness to support someone when they are ready to make a change. However, it also reinforces the central theme that the power to change lies solely with the individual. The song is a heartfelt reminder of the boundaries of love and the painful acceptance that sometimes, the best one can do is to be there and wait.