Can't Be Sure

The Sundays' song 'Can't Be Sure' delves into the complexities of human desire and the uncertainties of life. The opening lines, 'Give me a story and give me a bed / Give me possessions,' set the stage for a narrative that explores the material and emotional needs that drive us. The mention of 'love luck and money' going to the narrator's head 'like wildfire' suggests a sense of overwhelming desire and the intoxicating effect these elements can have on one's life. This is further emphasized by the line, 'It's good to have something to live for you'll find,' which hints at the human need for purpose and direction.

The song also touches on national identity and the paradoxes within it. The lines 'England my country the home of the free, such miserable weather / But England's as happy as England can be' juxtapose the idea of freedom with the often gloomy reality of English weather. This contrast serves as a metaphor for the broader theme of finding contentment amidst less-than-ideal circumstances. The repeated questioning of 'Why cry' suggests a resignation to or acceptance of these imperfections.

A recurring theme in the song is the dual nature of desire. The lyrics 'And did you know desire's a terrible thing / The worst that I could find' highlight the destructive potential of unchecked desire. Yet, the narrator admits to relying on their desires, acknowledging their role in shaping one's life. The line 'It makes the world go blind' alludes to the blinding effect of desire, but the narrator's acceptance of this flaw ('You know that I really don't mind') points to a deeper understanding of human nature. The closing lines, 'And though I can't be sure what I want any more / It will come to me later,' encapsulate the song's exploration of uncertainty and the hope that clarity will eventually emerge.

The Sundays, known for their jangly guitar sound and introspective lyrics, use 'Can't Be Sure' to explore themes of desire, uncertainty, and national identity. The song's reflective tone and poetic lyrics invite listeners to ponder their own lives and the forces that drive them.