want u back
Joan Lyrics

Ba-ba-baby
The song begins with an affectionate nickname for the person it's addressing, showing that despite the mixed emotions the singer has, they still care for them deeply.

I didn't want you in my mind
The singer tried to move on from the person they're addressing, but they keep coming back into their thoughts.

But here you are again
Despite the singer's efforts to forget about the person, they keep showing up in their life in some way.

You came and knocked on my door, yeah / Last night at 3AM (baby)
The person showed up unexpectedly and late at night, suggesting that they may have been under the influence or feeling particularly emotional.

You tried to call me from home / I wouldn't pick up the phone / I thought you needed time away
Even though the person is reaching out to the artist, they initially decided to give them space and not respond.

Now that I look at your eyes / I'm back to all of those lines / Yeah, maybe you should just stay
Upon seeing the person in person, the singer's feelings come flooding back and they feel tempted to give the relationship another chance.

I'm on a flight to London / I hope that I see you there
The singer is taking drastic action by flying to another country in hopes of seeing the person they're addressing, showing how important they are to them.

I shouldn't be impulsive / But I can't let you go again
Despite knowing that their actions are risky and potentially foolish, the artist can't resist the allure of being with the person they care for.

What's going on in my head / I'm hanging on by a thread / I shouldn't need to call your name
The artist is struggling with their feelings and knows that they should move on, but finds themselves still holding onto hope for the relationship.

But when I look at your eyes / I'm back to all of those nights / Yeah, let me take you away
When faced with the person they care for, the artist's resolve crumbles and they feel drawn to the idea of escaping with them.

Oh yeah, the way you call me baby / Got me feeling crazy
The singer is particularly affected by the affectionate term the person uses to address them, showing how they have an emotional hold on them.

Oh yeah, I hate it but I want you / Nothing else I can do
Despite recognizing that the relationship is not perfect, the artist still wants to be with the person they care for and feels helpless to resist.

Is it bad / I want you back / I want you back / I want you, baby
The chorus repeats several times throughout the song, with the singer questioning whether it's wrong for them to want to reconnect with the person they're addressing.

(I want you, I want you) / (I want you baby)
These repeated lines emphasize the singer's desire for the person they care for, despite any challenges or negative feelings that may be present.