Meaning of "I'm Not Supposed To Care" by Gordon Lightfoot

The lyrics of "I'm Not Supposed To Care" by Gordon Lightfoot convey a sense of longing and unrequited love. The narrator acknowledges that the person they care about has moved on and found someone new, symbolized by the line "I think you have somebody waiting outside in the rain to take you away." Despite this, the narrator still holds on to their feelings and expresses their love and support for the person.

The song reflects the complexity of emotions that arise when someone we love moves on. It highlights the struggle between wanting to let go and wanting to hold on, as seen in lines such as "You got places to go, you got people to see still I'm gonna miss you, but anyway." It shows the pain of knowing that the person they care about is moving forward with their life, yet it also reveals the narrator's selflessness in wishing them well.

The lines "I'll give you the keys to my flying machine if you'd like, I will show you the light" demonstrate the narrator's willingness to offer everything they have, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness. It represents their desire to provide support, guidance, and protection to the person they love.

The repeated phrase "I'll do it although I'm not supposed to care" emphasizes the conflict between societal expectations and the genuine emotions the narrator feels. It speaks to the struggle of accepting their own feelings and going against what is expected of them.

Overall, the song captures the sadness and internal conflict of unrequited love. It showcases the narrator's selflessness, their ability to love unconditionally, and their willingness to support the person they care about, even if it means suppressing their own emotions.