Things I Can't Change
The Story So Far
The Unchangeable Burdens of Life and Love
The Story So Far's song "Things I Can't Change" delves into the emotional turmoil and frustration that arise from situations beyond one's control. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship strained by miscommunication and unmet expectations. The opening lines, "This twitch in my fingers / Love/hate it lingers," suggest a sense of nervousness and ambivalence, indicating the complex emotions the narrator feels. The phrase "Sent it direct, but the point must have missed her" highlights the struggle of trying to communicate effectively but failing, leading to feelings of defeat and resignation.
The recurring line, "Lie alone it's all you can do now / And hear me drone / About the things I can’t change," underscores a sense of helplessness and isolation. The narrator seems to be stuck in a loop of lamenting over the unchangeable aspects of their life and relationship. This repetition emphasizes the weight of these unchangeable burdens, making it clear that the narrator feels trapped and unable to move forward. The use of the word "drone" suggests a monotonous, ongoing lament, further highlighting the depth of their despair.
The song also touches on themes of patience and acceptance, as seen in the lines, "Grace me with nothing but patience / I’ll admit that I hate this if there’s no other way out." Here, the narrator acknowledges the need for patience but also expresses a deep-seated frustration with the situation. The closing lines, "On the outs with everything / The calm and talk you seldom bring," suggest a broader sense of disconnection and dissatisfaction, not just with the relationship but with life in general. The Story So Far uses raw, emotive language to convey the pain of dealing with things that cannot be changed, making the song a poignant reflection on the struggles of love and life.