Can't Stand Me Now

Album: The Libertines (2004)
Charted: 2
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Songfacts®:

  • In this song, Peter Doherty and Carl Barat take turns singing to each other about how much they are falling apart, but still love each other even though they know things probably won't work out. Many of Peter Doherty's lyrics are about how he causes himself a lot of problems, and how the world kicks back harder.
  • Carl Barat was with a former band, and when Peter Doherty approached him, Peter sang a little for him. After that, Carl taught Peter how to play the guitar and they eventually formed The Libertines. The group broke up after this album, with Doherty forming Babyshambles and Barat forming Dirty Pretty Things. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Justin - Georgetown, IN, for above 2
  • Bassist John Hassall from Q Magazine March 2008: "The song that stands out is 'Can't Stand Me Now.' Maybe the only thing Pete and Carl could honestly sing about was the situation, what they felt about each other. Almost a sort of therapy in itself."

Comments: 3

  • Ash from SuffolkThe song was inspired by the time Doherty burgled Barat's flat' The harmonica on the play out is a reference to the fact that one of the items stolen by Pete was a harmonica.
  • Joe from Manchester, United KingdomJustin- Georgetown, IN

    Babyshambles had already been formed by Pete in between the two albums, he was actually running between studios recording both albums.
  • Ste from Manchester, United KingdomThis is the best song The Libertines did..although it does sound asthough they are both high!!
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