The song "Can't Let Go" by Mariah Carey is about the struggle of letting go of someone who has moved on. The narrator feels lost and desperate to understand why their former lover has moved on and seemingly forgotten about them. Despite their efforts, they cannot forget or move on themselves, as they continue to see their ex in their dreams and think about them constantly.

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Meaning of "Can't Let Go" by Mariah Carey


The lyrics of "Can't Let Go" delve into the emotional turmoil of heartbreak and the lingering attachment to a past love. The narrator is caught in a desperate struggle to comprehend why their former partner has moved on and chosen to be with someone else. They question whether they cherished their ex enough and express the feeling of their ex being their entire world.

The song captures the essence of obsession and longing, as the narrator admits to seeing their ex in their dreams every night and being unable to let go. The repetition of "even though I try, I can't let go" emphasizes the internal battle faced by the narrator, who desperately wants to move on but cannot seem to escape their feelings of love and longing. The pain and sorrow of losing the person they thought was their everything is deeply felt, with the lyrics emphasizing the constant sorrow the narrator experiences every day.

The line "Do you even realize the sorrow I have inside every day of my life?" displays the narrator's frustration at their ex's apparent lack of understanding or consideration for the pain they are experiencing. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation, as the narrator clings to the hope that their ex will realize their mistake and come back to them.

Overall, "Can't Let Go" explores the complex emotions associated with heartbreak, obsession, and the struggle to move on from a past love. The lyrics showcase the narrator's deep longing and inability to let go, despite their best efforts. It serves as an emotional representation of the pain and turmoil that can accompany the end of a relationship.