Meaning of "Can I See You" by Hootie & The Blowfish

The lyrics of "Can I See You" by Hootie & The Blowfish convey the lingering presence and impact of someone on the narrator's life. The opening lines suggest that the narrator had managed to move on from this person, but unexpected circumstances bring them back into focus. The ghost metaphor represents the lingering thoughts and memories that haunt the narrator's mind. The sudden reappearance of this person shakes the narrator's emotions, symbolized by the line "With a smile, you knock me to my knees." Despite the person's lack of intention or awareness, they still hold a significant influence over the narrator's feelings. The chorus highlights the omnipresence of this person in the narrator's life, emphasizing that they think of them "anytime of day, anywhere I go, any song on the radio." This person's impact goes beyond thoughts and memories as they can hear their voice and feel their touch in unexpected and strange places. The repeated plea of "Can I see you" shows the narrator's desire for a physical encounter, an opportunity to experience the presence of this person in a tangible way. Overall, the lyrics explore the idea of the lingering impact of someone on the narrator, despite their absence, and the longing to see them and feel their presence once again.