The narrator reminisces about a past lover that they used to visit a specific place with. They now avoid going there to avoid the pain of their absence, but are constantly reminded of their presence. They encounter someone named Annie, who is also heartbroken and shares her own story of lost love. The narrator keeps their own feelings hidden and instead kisses Annie's hair, still thinking of their past lover. Despite the pain, they wish they could revisit the place they used to go with their lost love.

Meaning of "Wish I Could" by Norah Jones

The lyrics of "Wish I Could" explore themes of lost love, heartbreak, and longing. The narrator reflects on a past relationship and the significance of a specific place they used to visit with their lover. The singer walks by the place for show, unable to bear going in without their lost love. This highlights the pain and void left behind after a break-up, where even familiar places become painful reminders of what once was. The encounter with Annie emphasizes the universal experience of heartbreak, as she too shares her own story of losing her partner in war. The line "love in the time of war is not fair" suggests the external forces that can interfere and separate lovers. The narrator's silence about their own past love and the things they used to do together highlights the complexity of emotions surrounding a past relationship. It is a form of self-protection and a way to avoid opening old wounds. However, the image of kissing Annie's hair while thinking of their lost love suggests that the narrator may not be fully ready to let go. The closing repetition of "Wish I could" reflects the ongoing longing and desire to go back and re-experience what was lost. Overall, the lyrics convey the lingering pain and longing for a lost love, and the difficulty of moving on.