The song "I Can't Stand Myself" by Harley Poe is about a person reflecting on a failed relationship and the regrets and emotions that come with it. The lyrics portray a sense of longing and self-deprecation. The narrator dreams of their former partner and acknowledges that the love they shared was intense but ultimately unattainable. They feel inferior and believe that their partner deserves someone better than them. The lyrics express how life can be cruel and how the narrator feels foolish for thinking they could hold onto a love that was once deep. The song delves into the pain of seeing their ex-partner with someone else, specifically mentioning a "douche bag and his son." The narrator is bitter about their former partner seemingly happy and having fun without them. They question whether the love they once shared was genuine or if it was all just an illusion. The lyrics reveal the narrator's self-hatred and inability to stand themselves. They apologize for putting their partner on a pedestal and express their dissatisfaction with seeing their ex with anyone else. The narrator even wishes for their ex to be alone just as a way to satisfy their own insecurities. There is a sense of resentment towards their former partner for leaving their family and pursuing a new life. The narrator believes that their partner's actions made them realize their own flaws and weaknesses. They blame themselves for the breakup and express regret for not being able to keep the love intact. The lyrics imply that the narrator's love for their ex-partner still remains, as they refer to them as "sweetheart" and express a desire for them to come back. However, they also acknowledge that their partner may have moved on, alluding to them being with someone else who is not a suitable match. The narrator reflects on their past behavior, admitting that they made their ex feel small for their own selfish gains. They acknowledge that their actions caused pain and ultimately led to the destruction of their love. The song suggests that the narrator has experienced some personal growth and change, but it may be too late to salvage the relationship. In summary, "I Can't Stand Myself" is a song that explores feelings of regret, longing, and self-reflection after a failed relationship. The lyrics convey the narrator's inability to accept themselves and their yearning to have their ex-partner back, despite the difficulties and mistakes of the past.
