Why Can't I?

Liz Phair's 'Why Can't I?' captures the intoxicating and often tumultuous emotions associated with a budding, yet forbidden romance. The song's lyrics convey the excitement and confusion of two individuals who are drawn to each other despite being in relationships with other people. The opening lines set the scene of two people who feel a strong connection upon meeting, suggesting that they were 'meant to be' despite the complications that arise from their current romantic commitments.

The chorus, 'Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you? Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you?' illustrates the overwhelming feelings that accompany new love or infatuation. These intense emotions are so powerful that they disrupt the singer's ability to function normally, a common experience when one is smitten. The song acknowledges the inevitability of their attraction and hints at the excitement of a secret affair, with the phrase 'we're gonna get down to it' suggesting that they are on the brink of giving in to their desires.

The bridge of the song introduces a sense of anticipation and the potential for something deeper to develop from this affair. The lyrics 'High enough for you to make me wonder / Where it's goin' / High enough for you to pull me under / Somethin's growin'' suggest that the relationship is reaching a point where it could become more serious, and the singer is both excited and scared by this prospect. The repeated line 'Whenever I think about you' emphasizes the constant presence of this person in the singer's thoughts, highlighting the obsessive nature of their infatuation.