Meaning of "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Van Morrison

"I Can't Stop Loving You" is a poignant exploration of the enduring power of love and the struggle to let go of a past relationship. The lyrics express the narrator's unwavering love and desire for their former partner, admitting that they have made up their mind to continue loving them. It is as if the memories of their time together have become their only refuge, a means to escape the harsh reality of the present.

The repetition of the line "I can't stop loving you" throughout the song emphasizes the narrator's inability to move on from the past. Every time they try to convince themselves to let go, the love they feel resurfaces stronger than ever. The lyrics also highlight the futility of expressing their longing, acknowledging that it is useless to say how much they want their former partner back.

The mention of "happy hours" and how they still make the narrator feel blue emphasizes the contrast between the joyous memories of the past and the sadness of the present. These memories serve as a painful reminder of what was lost and further deepen the narrator's longing. The line, "They say that time heals a broken heart, but time has stood still since we've been apart," perfectly encapsulates the sense of stagnation and emotional paralysis the narrator experiences due to their unending love for their former partner.

The repetition of the phrase "In dreams of yesterday" at the end of each verse emphasizes the narrator's reliance on the past to find solace. They have resigned themselves to living their life through these dreams, unable to let go and move forward. The longing and vulnerability conveyed by these lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of trying to move on from a love that still lingers in their heart.

Ultimately, "I Can't Stop Loving You" reflects the universal human experience of grappling with the lingering emotions and attachment to a past love. It speaks to the profound impact that memories and dreams can have on our emotional well-being, and the difficulty of overcoming the lingering traces of a lost relationship.