The lyrics of "What Can I Say" by Dead By April express the narrator's feelings of inadequacy and the pain they cause their partner. Despite their best efforts to be everything their partner needs, they constantly find themselves hurting them.

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Meaning of "What Can I Say" by Dead By April


The lyrics of "What Can I Say" delve into themes of self-doubt, guilt, and the damaging effects of a toxic relationship. The narrator tries their best to meet their partner's expectations and be the person they want in their life, but despite their efforts, they always end up causing pain. The repetition of phrases like "I always end up hurting you" highlights a cycle of disappointment and remorse. The use of phrases like "I guess I was wrong" and "What can I do?" demonstrate the narrator's sense of defeat and helplessness in the situation.

The lyrics also touch on the impact of the relationship on the narrator's own emotions. Without their partner, they feel empty and cry, but with them, they only bring more pain. This suggests a codependent dynamic, where the narrator's happiness and well-being are dependent on their partner, even if it means hurting them in the process.

Overall, the lyrics of "What Can I Say" convey a sense of personal inadequacy and emotional turmoil. The narrator struggles to reconcile their desire to be the person their partner wants with the knowledge that they continuously cause them pain. It explores the complexity of relationships and the internal struggle of trying to change for someone else while ultimately realizing their efforts are in vain.