Song Meaning
The narrator is caught in a forbidden attraction, a situation they know is doomed from the start. The repeated phrase "I should not be seeing you" establishes a clear boundary, yet the insistence on this boundary highlights the internal struggle. It’s a desperate attempt to impose logic on an undeniable emotional pull, acknowledging a mutual understanding that this connection is impossible. The core tension lies in this conflict between knowing what’s right and the persistent, unwanted feelings that arise.
The lyrics pinpoint the origin of this difficult emotion to the very first meeting, describing it as "that feeling." This initial spark is what the narrator desperately wishes could be erased, especially if the other person understood the depth of their resulting loneliness. The plea for the other person to "destroy that feeling" reveals a profound vulnerability and a desire for relief from the pain this attraction causes.
The most striking aspect of the writing is its directness and repetition, creating a sense of obsessive thought. The parallel structure of "I should not be... / Nor should you be..." emphasizes the shared nature of this forbidden desire and the mutual recognition of its impossibility. This isn't a one-sided infatuation; it's a mutual, acknowledged wrongness that binds them even as it separates them. The constant reiteration of "We know that it can never be" hammers home the futility and the inherent sadness of their situation.
This song hits hard because it captures the universal sting of wanting what you can't have, particularly when that want is recognized and shared. The raw, unadorned language strips away any pretense, leaving only the stark reality of a connection that must remain unfulfilled. The effectiveness comes from the simple, almost childlike insistence on the forbidden, making the underlying emotional pain feel all the more potent and relatable.