I kept the smoothest seashell
that you gave me on the shoreline.
And I keep it in my pocket,
and I think about you sometimes.
I don't need it,
but it's okay if you kiss me in the driveway.
I only brought it because
I thought you'd want it back.

But you decided to abandon,
need some time on your own.
So you ask the clocks for healing,
but their hands keep you alone.
Someone told you time repairs it.
I said
No, it just forgets it,
and I need you to remember who I am.

Quite a lot of love to give
for someone as cold as I am.
Quite a stupid thing we did
for someone as cold as I am.
Quite a lot of friends I have
for someone as cold as I am.
Quite a fucking mess we're in
for someone as cold as I am.

But when it's over
you should call me
because I'm awake and always will be.
I cannot eat,
I better not sleep until you're okay.


Lyrics submitted by punkrockchick217

Cannot Eat Better Not Sleep song meanings
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    General Comment

    This song is quite beautiful, and especially heart-wrenching with the lines '...for someone as cold as I am.'

    I believe it concerns someone who doesn't think they deserve "the smoothest seashell" - that is, love. Unconditional love, perhaps. ("I only brought it because I thought you'd want it back.")

    But with the second stanza it seems the one who gave the seashell ended up leaving the speaker for -their own- despair to be fixed. It hasn't yet, by the end of the song.

    Once again, it's heart-wrenching when you dig and find that the speaker deeply cares for this loving person who is nevertheless suffering.

    Tsuppion September 10, 2006   Link

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