The song "Can't Sleep" by Gary Clark, Jr. tells the story of a man who meets a girl at a party. Despite not knowing her well, he is drawn to her and pursues her, fueled by alcohol. However, later on, he realizes that he has become entangled in a situation that he did not expect. The girl becomes the reason why he can't sleep at night and can't find solace at home. The lyrics suggest that the girl is trouble, portrayed through her preference for male company and the look in her eyes. The protagonist acknowledges that he should have known better, but it's too late now. He finds himself unable to distance himself from her, despite knowing it's not right. The second verse describes a party scene where the atmosphere is filled with smoke and girls dancing. However, the protagonist's focus is solely on the girl who has caught his attention. Although she appears interested in him, her attention is divided, and the protagonist becomes aware of a potential rival. Throughout the song, the repetition of the phrase "But I can't, whoa no" emphasizes the protagonist's struggle to break free from the girl's grip. Despite recognizing that he should leave her alone, he is unable to do so. The chorus states that this girl has become the reason why he can't sleep at night and feels unable to return home. The repeating lines towards the end of the song highlight the internal conflict the protagonist faces. He knows he should leave the girl alone, but he finds himself unable to escape her hold. The song suggests that the protagonist is stuck in a situation that he knows is not right but feels powerless to change. Overall, "Can't Sleep" explores themes of temptation, infatuation, and the inability to break free from a toxic relationship.
