I Want You Back
Jesse Daniel Smith Lyrics

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When I had you to myself
I didn't want you around
Those pretty faces always made you
Stand out in a crowd
But someone picked you from the bunch
One glance was all it took
Now it's much too late for me to take a second look

Oh baby give me one more chance
(show you that I love you)
Won't you please let me
Back to your heart
Oh darlin' I was blind to let you go
(let you go baby)

Now since I see you in his arms

Tryin' to live without your love
Is one long sleepless night
Let me show you girl
That I know wrong from right
Cuz' every street you walk on
I leave tearstains on the ground
Following the girl
I didn't even want around
Oh baby give me one more chance
(show me you that I love you)
Won't you please let me
Back to your heart
Oh darlin' I was blind to let you go

(let you go baby)
But now since I see you in his arms

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I Want You Back" by Jesse Daniel Smith tell a story of regret and longing for a lost love. The singer reminisces about a time when he had the love interest to himself but didn't appreciate her because other people were constantly vying for her attention. However, someone else was able to win her over, and now the singer realizes the mistake he made. He pleads for a second chance, professing his love for her and admitting that he was blind to let her go. The singer is tormented by the idea of the love interest being with someone else and suffering from sleepless nights. He promises to make things right and pursue her relentlessly, going so far as to leave tearstains on the ground as he follows her.

The lyrics effectively convey the pain of lost love and the desperate desire to reclaim what was lost. The repetition of the plea for a second chance and the contrasting memories of neglect and regret create a sense of urgency and longing. The image of the tearstains on the ground adds a visceral element to the singer's pursuit, emphasizing the intensity of his feelings.

Overall, "I Want You Back" is a powerful portrayal of heartbreak and the all-consuming desire to make things right. It speaks to anyone who has lost love and wishes for a second chance to make things right.

Line by Line Meaning

When I had you to myself
I was privileged to have you all to myself

I didn't want you around
I didn't appreciate you fully

Those pretty faces always made you
You were attractive and others noticed it often

Stand out in a crowd
You shone uniquely among many others

But someone picked you from the bunch
You caught someone's attention

One glance was all it took
They knew they had to have you

Now it's much too late for me to take a second look
I missed the chance to cherish you

Oh baby give me one more chance
I'm pleading for another opportunity

(show you that I love you)
To prove to you that I love you

Won't you please let me
Please give me the chance

Back to your heart
To be part of your life once again