Good times for a change
See, the luck I've had
Can make a good man
Turn bad

So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
This time

Haven't had a dream in a long time
See, the life I've had
Can make a good man bad

So for once in my life
Let me get what I want
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Lord knows, it would be the first time

Overall Meaning

The song "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" by She & Him is a cover of a song originally written by The Smiths in 1984. The song reflects the theme of longing and desperation for something that seems out of reach for the singer. The singer has been through tough times and has struggled to achieve their dreams, which has taken away their ability to dream at all. The lyrics "See, the luck I've had, can make a good man turn bad" and "See, the life I've had, can make a good man bad" show the toll that the singer's past experiences have taken on their psyche.

The constant refrain of "let me get what I want" is a plea to the universe to finally let the singer achieve their dreams, for once in their life. The repetition of this phrase shows how much the singer wants it and how much they believe that they deserve it after all they have been through. The fact that it would be the "first time" the singer gets what they want highlights the depth of their longing and desperation.

While the song can be interpreted in many different ways, one possible explanation is that it speaks to the universal human desire to achieve our dreams and the frustration and pain we feel when it seems impossible. The lyrics speak to a raw emotion that many people can relate to, which is why the song has resonated with many listeners over the years.

Line by Line Meaning

Good times for a change
Things are looking up and it's a good time for a positive shift in my life

See, the luck I've had
As evidence, my past experiences haven't been favorable or fortunate

Can make a good man turn bad
These experiences have the power to damage one's character and attitude

So please please please
By addressing a higher power, I'm pleading for a positive change

Let me, let me, let me
The repetition emphasizes the urgency and desperation behind my request

Let me get what I want
I'm asking for a specific desire to be fulfilled

This time
Implying that my previous attempts have been unsuccessful

Haven't had a dream in a long time
I haven't had anything to strive for or pursue in a while

See, the life I've had
Once again, past experiences haven't been favorable

Can make a good man bad
My outlook on life and attitude can be negatively impacted by these experiences

So for once in my life
I'm hoping for a rare opportunity to change my circumstances

Let me get what I want
Reiterating my specific desire and goal

Lord knows, it would be the first time
Highlighting the rarity and significance of my request actually being fulfilled

Lord knows, it would be the first time
Repeating for emphasis

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Marr, Steven Patrick Morrissey

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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