"Can't Think Straight" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a song about the complexities of love and the regrets that come with mistakes in a relationship. The song tells the story of two individuals, Peggy and an unnamed narrator, who are struggling with their feelings for their respective partners, Mary and someone else. The song begins with the narrator asking if Mary is present, implying that they are trying to reach out to her. However, they are told that Mary is not available. The narrator then asks the listener to deliver a message to Mary, expressing their love for her and apologizing for their actions. They mention having a quarrel and getting angry enough to slap Mary's face, showing their regret for their behavior. Peggy, another character in the song, interjects and relates to the narrator's feelings. Peggy reveals that she experienced a similar situation, where she upset her partner and couldn't sleep for a week. However, Peggy's partner eventually called her, relieving her worry and anxiety. The narrator questions why Mary hasn't been answering their calls or being available. They express frustration and wonder if Mary is to blame as well. The narrator questions their love for Mary, wondering why they can't think straight when they love her so much. As the song progresses, the narrative shifts to broader issues beyond the individual relationships. The narrator's conscience is pricked, and they start reflecting on the bigger problems of the world, such as poverty and injustice. They feel pathetic for being consumed by their own relationship problems when others are suffering. The narrator admits their selfishness and expresses a desire to kick themselves, metaphorically, for their self-centeredness. They highlight their own insignificance compared to the bigger issues society faces. The song concludes with the narrator returning to their original plea to deliver the message to Mary. They express gratitude to the listener for their kindness and apologize for taking up too much of their time. Ultimately, the narrator reiterates their love for Mary and their inability to think straight due to their feelings. "Can't Think Straight" reflects the complicated nature of human emotions and the conflicts that arise within relationships. It also touches on the need for perspective and humility when faced with personal problems in the context of a larger world.
