I Want You to Want Me
Hanson Lyrics


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I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
I'd love you to love me.
I'm beggin' you to beg me.

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
I'd love you to love me.
I'll shine up the old brown shoes, put on a brand-new shirt.
I'll get home early from work if you say that you love me.

Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?
Feelin' all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin'.
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
I'd love you to love me.
I'm beggin' you to beg me.
I'll shine up the old brown shoes, put on a brand-new shirt.
I'll get home early from work if you say that you love me.

Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?
Feelin' all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin'.
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?
Feelin' all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin'.
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
I'd love you to love me.
I'm beggin' you to beg me.
I want you to want me.
I want you to want me.




I want you to want me.
I want you to want me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Hanson's "I Want You To Want Me" express a deep desire for someone's love and attention. The repetition of the phrases "I want you to want me," "I need you to need me," and "I'd love you to love me," show that the singer is seeking validation and affection from the person they are addressing. They are willing to do anything to impress this person, even shining up their old brown shoes and putting on a new shirt. The line "I'll get home early from work if you say that you love me," shows how far they are willing to go to hear these words from their desired love interest.


The second verse begins with the singer recalling a moment where they saw the person crying and feeling alone. This could suggest that the singer is trying to be the one to provide comfort and support for the person they love. The repetition of "didn't I see you cryin'?" emphasizes the singer's desire to be the one who is there for them.


Overall, the lyrics suggest a deep longing for love and connection. The singer is willing to do whatever it takes to win over the love of their life, even if it means putting in extra effort and time.


Line by Line Meaning

I want you to want me.
I desire your affection and attention.


I need you to need me.
I require your love and support to feel complete.


I'd love you to love me.
It would bring me joy if you reciprocated my feelings.


I'm beggin' you to beg me.
I am pleading with you to express your longing for me.


I'll shine up the old brown shoes, put on a brand-new shirt.
I am updating my appearance to impress and attract you.


I'll get home early from work if you say that you love me.
I am willing to make sacrifices for you if you show me affection.


Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?
I have witnessed your pain and sadness.


Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'?
I am acknowledging your emotional vulnerability and offering comfort.


Feelin' all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin'.
I understand how it feels to be isolated and desperate for connection.


I want you to want me.
I am reaffirming my desire for your affection and attention.


Feelin' all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin'.
I empathize with your pain and want to provide support and care.


I want you to want me.
I am expressing my longing for you once again.


I want you to want me.
I am reiterating the importance of your affection and attention to me.


I want you to want me.
I am emphasizing the intensity and sincerity of my desire for you.




Contributed by Harper S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Megan McNeill

They covered this song the first song I saw them in 2000. I was in heaven.

ALEJANDRA MARQUEZ

Such an energy. Bad audio though.

Jojanneke83

I can barely hear them singing?

Messias Junior

Right, fans scream too loud.

John Greene

Wish they had better recordings...

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