Meaning of "I Can't Help Myself" by Van Zant

The lyrics of "I Can't Help Myself" delve into the inner turmoil and desperation of someone fighting their own battles and feeling overwhelmed by their struggles. The protagonist expresses feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and despair, reaching out for divine intervention as they try to cope with their inner demons. The repeated plea for an angel to help strangle the old demon haunting them on the shelf showcases a cry for salvation and a desire to break free from the chains of their own struggles. The references to pushing away loved ones and sinking deeper into darkness paint a poignant picture of someone caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior with no easy way out. Through this emotional and raw portrayal, the song captures the universal theme of grappling with personal demons and the desire for redemption and release from one's inner turmoil.