How Can I Tell You

Cat Stevens' song "How Can I Tell You" delves into the complexities and frustrations of trying to express profound love and affection through language. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and the difficulty of finding the right words to communicate deep feelings. The repeated line, 'But I can’t think of right words to say,' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the inadequacy of words to fully capture the intensity of the singer's emotions.

The song also touches on the loneliness and sadness that come with this inability to communicate. The lines 'But I look and you’re not there' and 'And I’m sad that you can’t hear' suggest a distance between the singer and the object of his affection, which could be both physical and emotional. This distance is further emphasized by the imagery of the singer always walking with and talking to the person he loves, despite their absence. The metaphor of the sea surrounding the shore illustrates the enveloping nature of his love, yet there remains a poignant sense of longing for a deeper connection that words alone cannot achieve.

Overall, "How Can I Tell You" is a tender and introspective ballad that resonates with anyone who has struggled to articulate their feelings. Cat Stevens' gentle folk music style and emotive voice add to the song's heartfelt sincerity, making it a timeless piece about the universal challenge of expressing love and the desire for closeness with another person.