It has subsequently been covered by many other artists and been featured in numerous high profile movies and television series and advertisements, so much so that Dazed magazine questioned whether it might be the most influential love song in modern music.
Composition:
The song is in the key of B Dorian performed in what AllMusic describes as a "brooding, sorrowfully conflicted" tone.
Often interpreted as a ballad about unrequited love, Isaak himself has said that the song was inspired by a telephone call from a girl seeking to arrange a casual sexual liaison and is about "what happens when you have a strong attraction to people that aren't necessarily good for you." It was written in short order following the call.
Through several years, many different versions and arrangements of the song were made before the final version was released. Both the bassline and drums (except the cymbals) were sampled from previous recordings of the song and then looped. James Calvin Wilsey played the distinctive lead guitar solo on the song.
Music videos:
There are two different music videos for this song. The most well-known music video of the song was directed by Herb Ritts, shot in Hawaii at what was formerly known as Kamoamoa beach in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island in Hawaii. The newly-formed black sand beach was created from lava from Kilauea Volcano flowing into the ocean about a mile away. The beach was covered by lava not long after the video was shot. The video featured supermodel Helena Christensen rolling and frolicking on the beach with Isaak. It was mostly filmed in black and white. Isaak and Christensen were shirtless through most of the video, although her nudity was concealed by clever camera angles. In the middle of the video, Christensen was seen only in her black lace bra & panties. The video won the MTV Video Music Awards for Best Male Video, Best Cinematography and Best Video from a Film. It was ranked #13 on VH1's 100 Greatest Videos, #4 on VH1's 50 Sexiest Video Moments, #73 on Rolling Stone magazine's The 100 Top Music Videos, and #1 on Fuse's 40 Sexiest Videos in 2010.
Another video was commissioned for the Wild at Heart VHS release and was directed by David Lynch himself. It features scenes of Lula (Laura Dern) and Sailor (Nicolas Cage) from the film, interspersed with black and white footage of Isaak performing the song.
Wicked game
Chris Isaac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
cnd I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
No, I don't wanna fall in love
No, I don't wanna fall in love
With you
What a wicked game you play, to make me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you
cnd I don't wanna fall in love
No, I don't wanna fall in love
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
Strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you
cnd I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
No, I don't wanna fall in love
No, I don't wanna fall in love
No, I don't wanna fall in love
No, I don't wanna fall in love
No, I...
No, I...
Nobody loves no one
The lyrics of Chris Isaac's song "Wicked Game" convey a deep sense of longing, desire, and vulnerability. The opening lines, "The world was on fire and no one could save me but you," suggest that the singer is going through a turbulent period in their life, and they see this person they are singing about as their only source of salvation or comfort. This person has a powerful influence over them, as evidenced by the line, "It's strange what desire will make foolish people do."
The singer expresses surprise at meeting someone like this person and losing them, suggesting that they had never anticipated experiencing such strong feelings before. The repetition of the line "I never dreamed that I'd meet/lose somebody like you" emphasizes the unexpected nature of their connection and subsequent separation.
The chorus reveals the singer's resistance to falling in love. They repeat the phrase, "No, I don't wanna fall in love," highlighting their determination to guard their heart against the potential pain or vulnerability that comes with love. This resistance may stem from the turbulent nature of the relationship described in the song, as well as the complexity of emotions experienced.
The lyrics continue to explore the impact this person has had on the singer, using the metaphor of a "wicked game" to describe the emotional rollercoaster they have been put through. The singer feels manipulated and deceived by this person, accusing them of playing a game to make them feel a certain way and dreaming of a relationship that may not be reciprocated. This highlights the hurt caused by the actions and words of the other person, with the singer questioning the genuineness of their emotions.
The repetition of the line "The world was on fire and no one could save me but you" further emphasizes the depth of the singer's vulnerability and their belief that this person is their only lifeline in a chaotic world. The song culminates in the statement "Nobody loves no one," suggesting that the singer has been disillusioned by the experience and now believes that love is an illusion or unattainable.
In summary, the lyrics of "Wicked Game" explore the intense emotions and vulnerabilities experienced in a tumultuous relationship. The singer's resistance to falling in love stems from the pain they have already experienced, and they express surprise at meeting someone who had such a profound impact on their life. The song emphasizes the manipulation and deceit they feel from the other person, as well as their struggle against their own desires. Ultimately, the lyrics depict a sense of disillusionment and the belief that love may not exist at all.
Line by Line Meaning
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
In a chaotic and hopeless world, you were the only one who could rescue me from my despair.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
Desire has the power to drive people to act irrationally and make unwise choices.
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
I never imagined that I would encounter someone as extraordinary and remarkable as you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
Furthermore, I never anticipated that I would experience the pain of losing someone as significant as you.
No, I don't wanna fall in love
I have a strong aversion to getting involved in a romantic relationship.
What a wicked game you play, to make me feel this way
You engage in a deceitful and manipulative game that leads me to experience such intense emotions.
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you
It is a cruel action to allow me to indulge in fantasies and desires for a relationship with you.
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way
How malicious it is for you to express that you never experienced similar emotions or feelings.
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you
And how wicked it is to manipulate my thoughts and emotions to envision a future with you.
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
Once again, emphasizing your unique ability to rescue me from a chaotic and helpless world.
Strange what desire will make foolish people do
Reiterating how desire has the capacity to compel individuals to engage in irrational and unwise actions.
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you
I never envisioned myself experiencing such profound love for someone like you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
Similarly, I could never have imagined the heartbreak of losing someone as exceptional as you.
No, I don't wanna fall in love
Once again, expressing my aversion towards entering into any romantic entanglements.
No, I don't wanna fall in love
Repeating my strong reluctance to embark on a romantic relationship.
No, I don't wanna fall in love
Resolutely affirming my steadfast refusal to develop romantic feelings.
No, I don't wanna fall in love
Reiterating my unwavering stance against falling in love.
No, I...
I firmly stand by my decision.
No, I...
Once again, emphasizing my determination to resist the allure of love.
Nobody loves no one
Ultimately, it seems that love is absent or unattainable for everyone, resulting in a world devoid of love.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@captainnikolascolt
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
No, I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)
With you
With you
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
What a wicked game you play, to make me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you
And I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)
With you
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
Strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
No, I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't wanna fall in love (this world is only gonna break your heart)
With you (this world is only gonna break your heart)
With you (with you)
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I (this world is only gonna break your heart)
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
Nobody loves no one
@nnnnnkkkk233
Anyone here in 2024?
@elektratwain
☝️
@massimo790
🙋♂️ Just bought the Vinyl to reach the best Sound of this Masterpiece
@thetruth9286
Yes - And this tune is a dream. Would like to know how they kept it all business on the set and AFTER.
@stevecooper7883
Dating apps reminded me of this song
@larrybeavens7580
I’m 76, and if I were confined to isolation and could take 5 songs with me, this one would be at the top of the list. I said that 30 years ago, and I still feel that way today. It’s haunting, it’s beautiful, it’s calming…thank you, Chris, for my all-time favorite song.
@MusicVideoCompilations
I agree! But if you could take 10 songs with love theme... Please check my review with 10 awesome music videos with LOVE THEME: https://youtu.be/GmbRHOGO4Gs Hope you'll find some others unforgettable music videos!
@adityasaikia3352
What are other?
@900black
What are the other four please?
@larrybeavens7580
I don’t know; there would be a lot of songs in the running. I’d take Wicked Game in a heartbeat, then I’d have to think on the other 4…