"Only 'Cause I Don't Have You" is a song by Harry Connick Jr. The lyrics depict a sense of loss and longing for someone who is no longer in the speaker's life. The song talks about the actions the speaker is taking to remove any reminders of their past relationship. The lyrics "Turn off the music, Take down the signs, Pack up the boxes, Put away the wine" suggest a desire to erase any traces of the relationship. The speaker doesn't want to celebrate or toast to the future because it feels empty without the person they no longer have. The line "If looks could kill, This mirror would do, Only 'cause I don't have you" signifies the pain and heartache the speaker feels when they see their own reflection and realize that the person they desire is not there. The phrase "Don't bother with ovations, Leave off the fanfare" conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of their situation. The speaker acknowledges that there is no need for applause or celebration because their love is gone. The line "A tear, la mer" references the French phrase meaning "the sea" and suggests that even though the speaker may try to play off their emotions, their tears reflect the depth of their sadness. The lyrics convey a feeling of being deprived and longing for the person they no longer have: "On top of the world, But still there's no view, Only 'cause I don't have you." The speaker might have achieved success and reached a high point in their life, but the absence of their loved one diminishes any sense of fulfillment or joy. Overall, "Only 'Cause I Don't Have You" is a heartfelt expression of loss, longing, and the emptiness that comes from missing someone deeply. The song's message revolves around the idea that despite any achievements or outward appearances, the void created by the absence of a loved one cannot be filled by anything else.
