The song "Can't Exist" by Joseph Arthur seems to revolve around themes of loss, absence, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The lyrics express the narrator's inability to function or feel whole when someone important to them disappears or leaves their life. The line "Well I can't exist, When you disappear" suggests that their existence relies heavily on the presence of this person. The narrator describes the feeling of disintegration and a sense of being swallowed by their emotions and circumstances. This could indicate a deep sense of despair and emptiness when this person is no longer around. The mention of a sister being scared multiple times suggests that their bond is strong, and the narrator has often reassured her or protected her. The phrase "A thousand times or more, I've walked away alive, On my feet again" implies that the narrator has faced adversity multiple times but has always managed to survive and stand tall. The repeated lines "I will wait for you mother, I will wait for you father, I will wait for you sister, I will wait for you brother" indicate the narrator's longing and desire for these important individuals to return. They are willing to patiently wait for their return, suggesting a deep love and connection. However, the narrator also expresses a sense of helplessness and confusion in the lines "But I can't exist, So I can't explain, How I lost a thousand dollars, On the street again." Here, they confess to losing a significant amount of money, perhaps symbolizing more than just a financial loss. It could represent a loss of direction or stability, leading to a repeated cycle of feeling lost and defeated. Overall, "Can't Exist" portrays the struggle of trying to find purpose and meaning when significant people are absent from one's life. The lyrics paint a picture of longing, resilience, and the enduring hope for the return of loved ones.
