The song "How Can I Tell You" by Steve Harley is a heartfelt ballad expressing the struggle of trying to find the right words to express love and longing for someone. The protagonist of the song is deeply in love with someone and wants to convey their feelings, but finds it difficult to find the appropriate words. The lyrics depict the frustration and yearning of not being able to adequately express love and affection. The protagonist confesses their love multiple times, emphasizing that they constantly think about the person they love. However, they feel that their words "just blow away," indicating that their attempts to communicate their emotions are futile. The song also captures the feeling of being incomplete without the presence of the loved one. The protagonist states that wherever they are, they feel like they are walking with the person they love, but when they look around, they find that the person is not actually there. They express their longing for this person and their sadness that they can't hear their words. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist needs the person they love to be close to them, to have their arms around them, and to feel their presence like the sea surrounding the shore. They express their prayers and hopes of finding the person they love, implying that their hearts can't bear anymore without them. The song ends with the repetition of the struggles to find the right words to express love and longing. The protagonist acknowledges their inability to articulate their feelings and seeks help in finding the appropriate words. Overall, "How Can I Tell You" is a poignant song that delves into the complexities of love, the challenges of communication, and the yearning for emotional connection.
