Meaning of "It's All I Can Do" by The Cars

The song "It's All I Can Do" by The Cars explores the theme of unrequited love and the frustration that comes with waiting for someone who is constantly seeking new experiences and relationships. The lyrics suggest that the narrator has fallen for someone multiple times, but their feelings are not reciprocated in the same way. The line "One too many times I fell over you" indicates that the narrator has repeatedly invested their emotions in this person, only to be disappointed. The mention of canceling a flight from going nowhere represents the narrator's willingness to change their plans and make sacrifices for this person, even when it seems futile.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of romanticizing the person and keeping reminders of them, as seen in the line "I kept my renditions of you on the wall." This suggests that the narrator holds onto a fantasy version of the person, perhaps projecting their own desires onto them. The reference to "holiday romance" being "nothing at all" implies that the narrator realizes the fleeting nature of their encounters and the lack of substance in their connection.

The recurring line "It's all I can do to keep waiting for you" expresses the frustration and resignation the narrator feels, acknowledging that waiting is their only option despite the uncertainty. The narrator recognizes that the person they desire is always seeking something new, as shown in the line "As soon as you get it, you want something new." This creates a sense of longing and longing for something more substantial and committed.

Overall, the lyrics of "It's All I Can Do" convey the conflicting emotions of hope and despair that come with unrequited love. The narrator's repeated experiences of falling for someone who is always looking for something different highlight the pain of waiting and the uncertainty of ever being with the desired person.