Meaning of "Can't Depend On Love" by Gordon Lightfoot

The lyrics of "Can't Depend On Love" by Gordon Lightfoot delve into the speaker's deep-seated skepticism towards love and its ability to provide security in life. The repetitive nature of spending life "outside in the drivin' rain" suggests a feeling of constantly being left out in the cold, seeking solace in fleeting pleasures but ultimately finding them unfulfilling. The reference to an "inside kind of love that now is gone" speaks to a past relationship that failed to meet the speaker's expectations, leading to feelings of betrayal and abandonment. The lines "I paid the price, well ain't that nice / Knowin' I'm so free" highlight a bitter acceptance of the fact that love has not given the speaker the liberation or protection they sought. Overall, the song conveys a sense of resignation and resignation to the harsh realities of relationships, emphasizing the need to find self-sufficiency and inner strength rather than relying on external sources for validation.