The narrator is in a relationship with someone who is already committed to someone else. Despite the circumstances, the narrator cannot bring themselves to say goodbye and believes that they are meant to be together forever.

Meaning of "I Can't Say Goodbye To You" by Helen Reddy

The lyrics of "I Can't Say Goodbye To You" explore the complexities of love and the difficulties that arise when two individuals find themselves in a situation where they cannot be together. The narrator expresses their deep emotional attachment to the person they are in love with, acknowledging that they are such a significant part of their life that they cannot imagine living without them. The sense of inevitability and destiny is highlighted through the phrase "meant to be forever" and they believe that this connection cannot be severed. The narrator questions why we choose the people we love and why we do things we do when in love, emphasizing the mysterious and sometimes illogical nature of romantic relationships. Despite acknowledging that their partner is a decent person trying to do what's best, they cannot forget the feelings they have shared. The overall message of the song is a plea to hold on to love against all odds, even if it means accepting a less than ideal situation.