Meaning of "I Can't Steer My Heart Clear of You" by Elton John

The lyrics of "I Can't Steer My Heart Clear of You" explore the theme of unrequited love and the struggle to let go of a past relationship. The speaker is portrayed as feeling adrift and abandoned after the departure of their lover, unable to find peace and understanding without them. The imagery of rough seas and storms symbolize the tumultuous emotions the speaker is experiencing. Despite the pain caused by the past lover, the speaker still holds onto hope that they will return and be the source of comfort and guidance once again. The repeated refrain "I can't steer my heart clear of you" highlights the speaker's internal conflict and their inability to free themselves from the emotional hold their past lover has on them. The reference to the past relationship as a mix of pleasure and torture reflects the complexity of emotions involved in love and heartbreak. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a sense of longing, nostalgia, and a desire for reconciliation, even in the face of heartache.