I Want You
Elvis Costello Lyrics

Oh my baby, baby
Addressing the subject of the song in an affectionate way

I love you more than I can tell
Expressing an intense love that is challenging to express in words

I don't think I can live without you
Stating that the subject of the song is essential to the singer's life

And I know that I never will
Admitting that there is no way to imagine life without the subject

I want you so it scares me to death
Admitting that the intensity of the desire is overwhelming and potentially frightening

I can't say anymore than "I love you"
Acknowledging that expressing feelings in words can be challenging or inadequate

Everything else is a waste of breath
Claiming that there is no need for any other words or expressions besides "I love you"

You've had your fun, you don't get well no more
Suggesting that the subject has been reckless and possibly self-destructive, and that there will be consequences of some kind

Your fingernails go dragging down the wall
Painting a vivid picture of a violent, destructive act

Be careful darling, you might fall
Warning the subject of the risks involved in this behavior

I woke up and one of us was crying
Recalling a moment of emotional distress

You said "young man I do believe you're dying"
Quoting the subject as making a grim, dramatic statement

If you need a second opinion as you seem to do these days
Suggesting that the subject is seeking validation or confirmation frequently

You can look in my eyes and you can count the ways
Offering reassurance that the love professed earlier is genuine and meaningful

Did you mean to tell me but seem to forget?
Questioning the subject's sincerity

Since when were you so generous and inarticulate?
Challenging the subject's ability to express true feelings

It's the stupid details that my heart is breaking for
Admitting that trivial or insignificant things can still hurt deeply

It's the way your shoulders shake and what they're shaking for
Noticing physical signs of emotional distress and wondering what caused them

It's knowing that he knows you now after only guessing
Feeling intense jealousy or insecurity about someone else entering the picture

It's the thought of him undressing you or you undressing
Visualizing sexual intimacy between the subject and another person

He tossed some tattered compliment your way
Recognizing that the subject has received flattery from another person

And you were fool enough to love it when he said "I want you"
Implying that the subject may be naive or susceptible to manipulative tactics

The truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark
Suggesting that learning the truth can be painful but ultimately enlightening

It scares you witless
Acknowledging that confronting the truth can be a daunting prospect

But in time you see things clear and stark
Believing that accepting the truth will eventually lead to greater clarity and understanding

Go on and hurt me then we'll let it drop
Challenging the subject to be honest and potentially hurtful

I'm afraid I won't know where to stop
Acknowledging that the singer's feelings for the subject may be limitless

I'm not ashamed to say I cried for you
Admitting vulnerability and emotional pain

I want to know the things you did that we do too
Expressing a desire for intimacy and shared experiences

I want to hear he pleases you more than I do
Feeling insecure about the subject's level of satisfaction with the singer

I might as well be useless for all it means to you
Feeling unimportant or undervalued by the subject

Did you call his name out as he held you down?
Suggesting that the subject may have been sexually involved with another person

Oh no my darling, not with that clown
Expressing disgust or dissatisfaction with the choice of partner

No one who wants you could want you more
Claiming that the singer's desire and love is absolutely unparalleled

Every night when I go off to bed and when I wake up
Implying that the singer's thoughts of the subject are constant

I'm going to say it again 'til I instill it
Repeatedly professing love and desire in order to reinforce it

I know I'm going to feel this way until you kill it
Believing that only the subject can end the singer's intense feelings

I want you
Repeating the central message of the song, that the subject is deeply desired and loved