Carrie Underwood's song "What Can I Say" is about a failed relationship and the regret and longing that come with it. The lyrics portray a sense of introspection and remorse for the way the relationship ended. The song begins with Carrie Underwood acknowledging the painful aftermath of the breakup, represented by piercing words and tearful moments. Both parties share the blame for their relationship's demise. Carrie expresses that she is not sorry that the relationship ended, but rather sorry for the way it ended. Carrie reflects on her attempts to reach out and reconcile, stating that she has tried numerous times to call her former partner but struggles to do so. The passage of time has made it increasingly difficult to reconnect, with the task feeling as impossible as trying to spin the world in the opposite direction. In the duet version with Ashley Clark, he shares his perspective on the broken relationship. He ponders how they reached this point and admits to constantly thinking about Carrie. He regrets having made her cry but acknowledges that it's no excuse for their current situation. Throughout the song, both Carrie and Ashley emphasize their repeated failed attempts to reconnect. Despite their longing and desire to communicate, they find themselves at a loss for words. The chorus repeats the question, "What can I say?" conveying their struggle to articulate the pain and regret they feel. The song concludes with a reflection on the impact of their failed relationship. Carrie laments that all she may have left in the other person's memory is the memory of their hurtful breakup. The gap between what their relationship was meant to be and the messy reality it became is highlighted. Overall, "What Can I Say" is a heartfelt exploration of the remorse and longing experienced after a failed relationship. The lyrics convey the struggle to find closure and the difficulty in communicating the depth of emotions associated with the breakup.
