Meaning of "I'll Get Along" by Michael Kiwanuka

The lyrics of "I'll Get Along" delve into the intricacies of a relationship, focusing on the narrator's occasional detachment and need for independence. The repeated line "I know I didn't call" suggests a lack of communication or distance between the narrator and their loved one. However, the subsequent lines "But I'll be alone in a little while/You know sometimes when I don't call/I still get along in a little while" imply that the absence of communication does not necessarily equate to discontentment or loneliness. Instead, it suggests that the narrator is capable of finding solace and contentment within themselves during these moments of detachment.

The lines "Sometimes I'll take too long/But I know where I'm heading/I know I'd be alone" indicate that the narrator may have a tendency to take their time, perhaps causing frustration or concern for their partner. However, the underlying confidence in knowing their direction and acknowledging their ability to be alone suggests that this detachment is not meant to be harmful or permanent.

The chorus, with the lines "Oh, I don't mean to leave you/When I'm up and I'm gone/See, I know where I'm heading/With you where I belong," serves as the heart of the song, expressing the narrator's reassurance that despite their occasional detachment, they truly value and belong with their partner. They acknowledge the need for independence and the inevitability of being alone at times, but ultimately affirm their commitment and desire to be with their loved one.

Overall, the lyrics of "I'll Get Along" present a nuanced perspective on relationships and the importance of self-reflection, independence, and communication. It highlights the complexity of balancing one's own needs and desires with those of a partner, as well as the reassurance that love and belonging can still exist even in moments of detachment.