"I Just Don't Know What To Say" by John Hiatt is a heartfelt song about a broken relationship and the inability to find the right words to express the emotions involved. The lyrics depict a situation where the narrator's love and trust have been misused and transformed into something worthless. The person they were involved with not only stole their money but also lied to them, claiming to have been honest and upfront. The betrayal and deceit have left the narrator feeling lost and unsure of how to react. Despite all the pain inflicted upon them, the narrator finds it difficult to completely sever their feelings for the person. They express confusion and wonder about how long they have allowed themselves to be fooled. Their love for this individual seems to persist even though they understand it may not change the situation or their own emotions. The narrator's mind is in turmoil, with conflicting desires to forgive and move on or to confront and seek justice. They acknowledge their inability to make the person pay for their actions, but they are also unable to find the right words to express themselves fully and address the situation. The lyrics convey the narrator's sense of frustration and feeling stuck. They feel trapped in darkness and want to understand what is happening between them and the other person. The confusion and lack of clarity lead to a state of helplessness, where the narrator finds it hard to take any decisive action or even articulate their thoughts and feelings. The song suggests that the narrator's inability to find the right words stems from the depth of their emotions and the complexity of their relationship. They usually have no trouble talking but find themselves tongue-tied and uncertain when it comes to this particular situation. The narrator wants to believe in resolution through prayer, but they find it challenging to even gather their thoughts enough to pray. Overall, "I Just Don't Know What To Say" portrays the struggle of dealing with a broken relationship, unexpressed feelings, and the frustration of being unable to communicate effectively. It captures the emotional turmoil and confusion one faces when faced with the aftermath of a betrayal.
