Music Review: Daniel Bedingfield "I Can't Read You"

I Can't Read You
Album: Gotta Get Thru This
Year: 2003

Daniel Bedingfield is baffled by his girlfriend's cageyness in the passive-aggressive "I Can't Read You."

A guitar setting a simplistic tone. He says that he's usually an outgoing person. However, around his girlfriend, he is subdued. To not be himself in a relationship has made him careful. He asks her if her lack of communication is because of anything that he's done. She retorts with a curt "no." Conversation is useless. It only leads to another fight.

"I'm never shy but this is different/I can't explain the way I'm feeling tonight/I'm losing control of my heart/Tell me what can I do to make you happy/Nothing I ever say seems to come out right/I'm losing control of my heart."

In the pre-chorus, he says that he doesn't like the angsty side of himself. He can't intrepret her actions or words. He thinks that if he lets her be, then maybe she will let him in.

"And I wish that I could be/Another better part of me/Can't hear what your thinking/Maybe if I just let go/You'd open up your heart."

In the chorus, he says he doesn't understand her. He can't figure her out. She won't allow him to kiss her or hold her. He feels left out.

"But I can't read you/I wish I knew what's going through your mind/Can't touch you, your heart's defending I get left behind/I can't reach you/I wish I knew what's going through your mind/Can't touch you, your heart's protecting I get left behind."

In the second verse, he says that he's being clingy to gain her attention. But he's losing the energy to continue doing it. However, he really enjoys the drama even though he bemoans it. It makes him feel a part of life. He says that he shouldn't be worried about the effect of his actions. He should pretend that he doesn't care whether or not she wants to talk. Nonetheless, it's stressing him out.

"I like you so much I'm acting stupid/I can't play the game I'm all intense and alive/I'm losing control of my heart/
I'm not supposed to be this nervous/I should play my hand all cool and calm/I can't breathe/I'm losing control of my heart."

In the second pre-chorus, he adds that he wants to know how strong his feelings are for her. He explains that he's not usually an emotional wreck. Once she'd get to know him, she will fall in love with him.

"And I wish that you could see/The other better parts of me/Feel this fire I'm feeling/
Then you'd see me in control/And baby then you'd know."

The chorus is sung twice.

The second pre-chorus is sung again.

The chorus is sung five times to end the single.

If this were any other song by someone else, it would be that the both are new to relationships. Neither really know how to act. They are learning as they go along, not realizing it's not going to work. Except this is Daniel Bedingfield. He never gets the point. He obsesses and follows the poor woman around, forcing her to love him. "I Can't Read You"is no exception is to his usual self-centered point of view.

He says she's the one who's not communicating. Then again, neither is Bedingfield. He's going along with her. He likes the cat-and-mouse game. He's only in it for the drama. However, he puts her down regardless.

Unfortunately, "I Can't Read You" is more of the same from Bedingfield.

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