The narrator recounts a past love where they were told they were as constant as a northern star, but questions where that constancy is in the darkness. They express their love and longing for the person, comparing it to the taste of bitter but sweet wine. The narrator sees themselves as a lonely painter, scared of the devil but drawn to those unafraid. They remember the person telling them that love is touching souls, and they still feel their presence in their life. Another woman who knows the person advises the narrator to stay with them despite the potential for pain. The narrator acknowledges that their love is like holy wine, both bitter and sweet, and they would still be on their feet even after drinking a case of them.

Meaning of "A Case of You" by K.d. Lang

"A Case of You" by K.d. Lang is a deeply emotional and introspective song that explores the complexities of love and the enduring impact it has on the narrator. The song begins with the narrator reflecting on a past love, where they were promised constancy but found themselves longing in the darkness. The bar serves as a metaphorical escape, a place where they can drown their sorrows and try to forget.

The narrator compares their love to holy wine, acknowledging both the bitterness and the sweetness. The bitter taste could represent the pain and heartache that comes with love, while the sweetness symbolizes the joy and happiness it brings. The line "I could drink a case of you" emphasizes the depth of the narrator's love and their willingness to consume it entirely, even if it means losing themselves in the process.

The narrator describes themselves as a lonely painter, someone who is isolated and finds solace in their art. They are afraid of the devil, representing the temptations or harmful aspects of love, but are drawn to those who are unafraid. This reveals the narrator's attraction to complexity and depth in others, despite the potential for pain.

The lyrics "Love is touching souls, Surely you touched mine" highlights the profound impact that the person had on the narrator. They feel their presence in their life, as if a part of them still lingers. The imagery of the person's face sketched on a map of Canada signifies how deeply intertwined they are in the narrator's life and memories.

Towards the end of the song, the narrator encounters another woman who knows the person intimately. This woman advises the narrator to stay with them, despite the potential for pain, indicating that the connection between the narrator and the person is worth enduring the hardships that love may bring.

In essence, "A Case of You" delves into the emotional complexities of love. It speaks to the longing, pain, and joy that can come with loving someone deeply, and how that love can leave a lasting impact on one's life, even after the relationship has ended.