Meaning of "What Can I Say" by Boz Scaggs

The song portrays the speaker's emotional vulnerability and their desperate need for validation from the person they are addressing. The repeated questions of "What can I say?" and "What can I do?" demonstrate the speaker's frustration and inability to articulate their feelings adequately. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire, as the speaker expresses their love and devotion. However, there is also a hint of insecurity and fear of rejection, evident in lines like "Can't you see the people who stop and stare? Don't it make you wonder why? I just happened to be standing there, can't you see it in my eye?"

The repeated chorus emphasizes the speaker's desperation, pleading for the listener's acknowledgment and reciprocation of their feelings. The use of the line "Oh, you make me know, baby," suggests that the subject of their affection has a profound impact on their emotions, overpowering the speaker's ability to control or understand them. The song also touches on the idea of societal judgement and the pressure to conform, as demonstrated by the line "Can't you see the people who stop and stare? Don't it make you wonder why?" This could indicate that the speaker is aware of the potential consequences of their vulnerability and fears the judgment and scrutiny of others.

Overall, "What Can I Say" captures the universal experience of yearning and longing for someone, coupled with the fear of rejection and societal pressures. It highlights the complexities of love and the struggle to express one's emotions openly and honestly.