Still Can't

The Cranberries' song 'Still Can't' delves into the emotional turmoil and unresolved feelings that arise from a relationship marred by dishonesty and lack of accountability. The lyrics express a profound sense of betrayal and frustration, as the narrator grapples with the realization that nothing their partner said was genuine. This sense of disillusionment is compounded by the partner's inability to apologize, further deepening the emotional wound. The repetition of 'I feel... I feel... I feel...' underscores the narrator's struggle to process their emotions and the lingering impact of the deceit.

The chorus, with its repeated lines 'you wanted it all, you wanted it all,' highlights the partner's selfishness and insatiable desire for more, regardless of the consequences. This relentless pursuit of personal gain, coupled with a complete disregard for the narrator's feelings, paints a picture of a deeply imbalanced relationship. The phrase 'there's nothing at all' suggests a void left by the partner's actions, emphasizing the emptiness and lack of substance in their promises and words.

The song also touches on themes of ego and arrogance, as seen in the lines 'your ego excelled and then your attitude.' The partner's inflated sense of self-importance and dismissive behavior only serve to exacerbate the narrator's pain. The repeated mention of lies and the partner's laughter in the face of the narrator's suffering further illustrate the callousness and insensitivity that characterize the relationship. Through 'Still Can't,' The Cranberries poignantly capture the anguish of feeling unheard and unvalued, and the difficulty of moving on from such a toxic dynamic.