I Wanna Be Around
Frank Sinatra and Basie Lyrics
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Somebody twice as smart as i.
Somebody who will swear to be true like you used to do with me,
Who'll leave you to learn that misery loves company, wait and see.
I want to be around to see how he does it when he breaks your heart to bits,
Let's see if the puzzle fits, so fine,
And that's when I'll discover that revenge is sweet,
When somebody breaks your heart like you broke mine.
That's when I'll discover that revenge is sweet,
As I sit there applauding from a front row seat,
When somebody breaks your heart like you broke mine,
Like you, like you broke mine.
The song "I Wanna Be Around" by Frank Sinatra and Count Basie and His Orchestra, is about a man who is no longer with his love but wants to be around to see her suffer if someone breaks her heart. The lyrics are bitter and vengeful, showing the hurt that he still feels after being left behind. He wants to show his ex how it feels to have someone leave you heartbroken and alone.
The singer hopes to one day pick up the pieces when somebody breaks his ex's heart, hoping it would be someone twice as smart as him. He wants to see how her new beau will handle breaking her heart to bits and see if the puzzle fits, which reveals how he still harbors feelings for her. The lyrics conclude by reflecting on how revenge is sweet as he sits in the front row seat, watching her experience the same pain he felt.
The song's melody is a mid-tempo jazz number that emulates the melancholic mood of the lyrics. Sinatra's voice is clear and alluring, providing an excellent contrast to the background music's vibrant horn section. The song's narrative is keen, transitioning from hope to agony and ultimately vindictiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to be around to pick up the pieces when somebody breaks your heart,
I desire to be present whenever someone breaks your heart to console you and help you recover.
Somebody twice as smart as i.
The one who might break your heart can be someone cleverer than me.
Somebody who will swear to be true like you used to do with me,
The person who might love you next may promise to remain loyal and faithful as you did when you were with me
Who'll leave you to learn that misery loves company, wait and see.
Let's wait and see if the new person will make you realize that sorrow enjoys being accompanied.
I want to be around to see how he does it when he breaks your heart to bits,
I wish to be present when somebody breaks your heart to observe how they do it.
Let's see if the puzzle fits, so fine,
Let's see if the new heartbreak for you turns out to be a perfect fit for you.
And that's when I'll discover that revenge is sweet,
When I witness you going through the same pain as me, that's when I'll realize that vengeance can be satisfying.
As I sit there applauding from a front row seat,
I'll be sitting in the front row enjoying your suffering like a spectator applauding a show.
When somebody breaks your heart like you broke mine.
When somebody breaks your heart like you did to me.
Like you, like you broke mine.
Just like you did, exactly the way you broke mine.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY MERCER, SADIE VIMMERSTEDT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind