The song "To Care (Like You)" by James Blake explores the emotions and feelings of longing, regret, and the complexity of relationships. The lyrics depict the speaker reflecting on a past relationship that has come to an end. The phrase "Now no more to watch two go, they don't know" suggests that the speaker is witnessing the dissolution of a relationship between two people, but they feel like outsiders looking in. This could mean that the speaker feels disconnected from the relationship or that they were never fully aware of the depth of the connection between the couple. The repetition of "I wish I could have known, how easy it was to care like you, protest too much" highlights a sense of regret. The speaker wishes they had realized the simplicity of caring for someone and expressing their emotions, similar to how the other person did. The phrase "protest too much" can imply that the speaker finds it difficult to express their emotions openly or show vulnerability, contrasting with the other person's capability to do so. The lines "How full on to watch you grow, never alone, I can cope" express both admiration and isolation. The speaker acknowledges the growth and development of the other person, possibly suggesting that observing them evolving was overwhelming or intense. However, they also affirm their ability to handle the situation, indicating strength and resilience in dealing with the emotions associated with the breakup. The repetition of "How forlorn to watch you go, how full on to watch you grow" emphasizes the bittersweet feeling of witnessing someone moving on, growing, and evolving without them. The speaker experiences a combination of sorrow and simultaneous acknowledgement of the other person's progress and personal development. Overall, "To Care (Like You)" delves into the complexities of relationships, regret, and the struggle to express emotions, while also acknowledging the growth and evolution of the other person.
