The group began in the late 1960s as "The Dooley Family", comprised of brothers Jim (vocals), John (guitar & vocals) and Frank (guitar & vocals) with sisters Marie, Anne & Kathy (all vocals). Based in Ilford, Essex, the group's work was mostly limited to theatres and hotels because the three youngest members were still at school and therefore not allowed to perform in pubs. They appeared in variety shows alongside popular entertainers such as Bob Monkhouse, Frankie Howerd, Norman Collier and Ann Shelton.
Wanted
Dooleys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it's all right
You know you can't deny
It's the price I've gotta pay
But it's all right
'Cause though your lips are sweet as honey
Your heart is made of solid stone
One look and boy you got me runnin'
Wanted
Boy, you're everything I ever wanted
Now all I've got's a memory, I'm haunted
Livin' in the shadow of your love
Boy, you know you've got me
'Cause you're wanted
Boy, you're everything I ever needed
But now you're gone and let me down
And cheated
Livin' in the shadow of your love
I'm the kind of girl that'll swallow every line
But it's all right
You only gotta call
And I'll be there any time
And it's all right
And now the flames are getting higher
I'm losin' all my self control
So come on boy and feed the fire
I'm burning with desire
Don't you leave me cold.
Wanted
Boy, you're everything I ever wanted
Now all I've got's a memory, I'm haunted
Livin' in the shadow of your love
Boy, you know you've got me
'Cause you're wanted
Boy, you're everything I ever needed
But now you're gone and let me down
And cheated
Livin'in the shadow of your love
Boy, you know you've got me
'Cause you're wanted
Boy, you're everything I ever wanted
Now all I've got's a memory, I'm haunted
Livin' in the shadow of your love
Boy, you know you've got me
'Cause you're wanted
Boy, you're everything I ever needed
But now you're gone and let me down
And cheated
Livin' in the shadow of your love
Boy, you know you've got me...
The Dooleys' song "Wanted" is a classic 80s pop track about a woman who is hopelessly infatuated with a man who is actually toxic for her. The song paints a picture of a woman who is aware that the man she loves is bad news, but she cannot help the way she feels about him. The lyrics describe this man as having a heart made of solid stone, which is a metaphor for his emotional unavailability. The woman is clearly aware that she should stay away from him, but the attraction is too strong to resist.
The lyrics also describe the woman as someone who will "swallow every line" that the man feeds her, indicating that he may have a tendency to manipulate her emotions in order to get what he wants. Despite knowing that he is bad for her, the woman is still willing to drop everything for him, as evidenced by the line "You only gotta call and I'll be there any time."
The chorus is catchy and memorable, with the repeated refrain of "Boy, you're everything I ever wanted" emphasizing the woman's intense desire for the man. However, she also acknowledges that he has let her down and cheated on her, leaving her living in the shadow of his love.
Overall, "Wanted" is a classic example of a pop love ballad that explores the highs and lows of romantic attraction, even when it is clear that pursuing that attraction may lead to heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
You're the kind of guy that I gotta keep away
I need to stay away from you, but it's difficult
But it's all right
It's okay, even though staying away from you is hard
You know you can't deny
You can't pretend like you don't know the impact you have on me
It's the price I've gotta pay
Dealing with the consequences of being near you is something I have to do
I bet you saw me comin' after you alone
You knew I would come after you, even though it may not be good for me
Boy, you're everything I ever wanted
You are exactly what I desire in a partner
Now all I've got's a memory, I'm haunted
Since you left, all I can do is remember the past and it's consuming me
Livin' in the shadow of your love
I'm stuck living in the remnants of our love
Boy, you know you've got me
You have complete control over me
Cause you're wanted
I desire you immensely
But now you're gone and let me down
You left me and disappointed me
And cheated
You were unfaithful to me
I'm the kind of girl that'll swallow every line
I believe everything you say, even if it's not true
And now the flames are getting higher
My feelings for you are intensifying
I'm losin' all my self control
I'm finding it difficult to resist you
So come on boy and feed the fire
Please provide me with more of what I desire from you
I'm burning with desire
I yearn for you excessively
Don't you leave me cold
Don't abandon me and leave me feeling empty inside
Contributed by Connor F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sheilametcalfe9467
This group has got to be the most underrated group. I loved their songs. Their harmonies were perfect. Thank goodness for YouTube.
@andymatthews7617
I think they sang some great stuff.
@paullindsay2872
Must say the girls had fantastic voices, pure singing. And the whole band were great, unfortunately we don't have any singers or musicians like this anymore.
@paulfrost8895
Good Abba impression.
@andymatthews7617
We havent had anything as good for years.
@thelucy53
This has to be one of the most underrated songs of all time ❤️👊🏻
@googler38
Ripe for a cover
@andrewevans7219
Agree. Definitely underrated!!
@BlueSky-qg5yv
With Yoo
@MichaelBennett1
Great singing, great hook and a great bridge...just great. One of those songs that really captured a time in my life and brings memories flooding back. Brilliant!