Wanted
Cranberries Lyrics
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With my head between my hands
I wouldn't have to be like this
If you'd only understand
Too many misunderstandings
Causing such delay
And if it doesn't work like this
Well, I'll try another way
Oh, if this is the way you wanted it
Oh, I didn't understand
Oh, if this is the way you wanted it
Oh, I didn't understand
You know that all I wanted
Was to be there by your side
And if you didn't want it
Well, you should have denied
You knew that you were someone special
Right form the start
But if you treat me badly
We'd be better off apart
Oh, if this is the way you wanted it
Oh, I didn't understand
Oh, if this is the way you wanted it
Oh, I didn't understand
Understand
"Wanted" by The Cranberries is a song about a relationship that is falling apart due to misunderstandings. The singer is sitting in an armchair, feeling frustrated and defeated, with her head between her hands. She believes that if her partner could only understand her, they wouldn't be in this situation. However, the misunderstandings have caused delays in their relationship, and if it doesn't work out the way she wants, she'll have to try another way.
The chorus indicates that the singer didn't understand her partner's desires or intentions. She just wanted to be by their side, but if they didn't feel the same way, they could have denied her in the first place. The singer also acknowledges that her partner is someone special but warns that if they continue to treat her badly, it's better for them to be apart. The song is transparently emotional, conveying the singer's pain at the impending breakup as she realizes that the relationship has no chance of survival.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting in an armchair
Starting off in a state of resignation and despair
With my head between my hands
Feeling down in the dumps, discouraged and defeated
I wouldn't have to be like this
Things don't have to be this way given better understanding
If you'd only understand
Profoundly desiring someone to get where you're coming from
Too many misunderstandings
A lot of misconceptions that are muddling and obstructive
Causing such delay
Holding things up and enfeebling any progress made so far
And if it doesn't work like this
If one particular method or approach doesn't pan out
Well, I'll try another way
Simply looking for an alternative or fresh solution
Oh, if this is the way you wanted it
Expressing confusion and disbelief over someone else's desired path
Oh, I didn't understand
Admitting the failure to fully comprehend someone's intentions
You know that all I wanted
Aiming to convey one's true desires
Was to be there by your side
Simply desiring to be physically and emotionally close to the other person
And if you didn't want it
Positing the notion that the other person simply didn't share the same feelings
Well, you should have denied
They could have been more honest about not feeling the same way
You knew that you were someone special
Acknowledging the other person's unique qualities and attributes
Right from the start
Recognizing these qualities from the very beginning of the relationship
But if you treat me badly
If the other person doesn't treat the artist with respect and kindness
We'd be better off apart
It would be best for both parties to go their separate ways
Understand
A plea for empathy and comprehension
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NOEL ANTHONY HOGAN, DOLORES MARY O'RIORDAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind