The meaning of Joy Williams's song "We Can Never Go Back" revolves around the idea that once a relationship or a certain period of time has passed, it is impossible to fully go back to the way things were. The lyrics talk about remembering both the good and the bad times in a relationship. The lines "Remember when you loved me" and "Remember when I left" indicate a past love that has possibly ended. The song reflects on the emotional pain experienced during the breakup, with lines such as "Remember that time it hurt like nothing else." The protagonist expresses a desire to relive those moments, to try and recreate the love they once had. The lyrics also touch on the idea of fighting and coming together as a team. The lines "Remember when we fought together" and "It was us against the world, remember how close we came" hint at the presence of challenges that the couple faced together. The protagonist wants to recapture the unity and closeness they once experienced. However, the repetition of the line "But we can never go back, we can only go on and on" emphasizes the impossibility of returning to the past. It suggests that although the memories can be cherished, they cannot be recreated exactly as they were. The song also highlights forgiveness, as seen in the lines "Remember what forgiveness feels like." It suggests that the protagonist is willing to let go of past mistakes and hopes for a fresh start. Overall, "We Can Never Go Back" conveys the bittersweet journey of reminiscing about a past love while acknowledging the impossibility of fully reliving it. It speaks to the human desire for nostalgic longing and the acceptance that time moves forward, leaving only memories and the opportunity for growth.
