Meaning of "(He Can't Help It If) He's Not You" by Anne Murray

The lyrics of "He Can't Help It If He's Not You" by Anne Murray delve into the complexities of moving on from a past love and embracing a new relationship. The singer struggles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, realizing that the new partner, despite their virtues, can never fully replace the one they are still pining for. The internal conflict between wanting to appreciate the new love and feeling the absence of the previous one is palpable throughout the song. The repeated refrain of "he can't help it, if he's not you" underscores the futility of trying to mold the current partner into a replica of the past one. Ultimately, the lyrics explore the bittersweet journey of trying to let go of a past love while acknowledging the lingering impact it has on the present.