You're the One That I Want
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (1978) Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I got chills
They're multiplying
And I'm losing control
Cause the power you're supplying
It's electrifying!

You better shape up
Cause I need a man

And my heart is set on you
You better shape up
You better understand
To my heart I must be true
Nothing left
Nothing left for me to do

You're the one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, the one I need
Oh, yes indeed

If you're filled
With affection
You're to shy to convey
Better take my direction
Feel your way

I better shape up
Cause you need a man
I need a man
Who can keep me satisfied
I better shape up
If I'm gonna prove
You better prove
That my faith is justified
Are you sure
Yes I'm sure down deep inside

You're the one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, the one I need
Oh, yes indeed

You're the one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, the one I need
Oh, yes indeed

You're the one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want
Oh, honey
The one that I want
You are the one I want

Oh, the one I need
Oh, yes indeed

Overall Meaning

In "You're The One That I Want", the singer is expressing her feelings of anxiety and excitement towards a love interest. She describes getting chills that are multiplying and losing control because of the power that the other person is supplying, which is electrifying. It's as if she's overwhelmed by her feelings and desires towards the person she's singing to. Despite this, she urges the person to shape up because "they need a man" and her "heart is set on them". She encourages them to understand that she must be true to her heart and that there's nothing left for her to do. Toward the end of the song, the singer shifts the focus from herself to the person she's singing to, urging them to shape up and prove that their faith is justified.

Line by Line Meaning

I got chills
I am overwhelmed with emotion

They're multiplying
My emotions are intensifying

And I'm losing control
My emotions are overpowering me

Cause the power you're supplying
Your influence over me is incredibly strong

It's electrifying!
The effect you have on me is exciting and intense

You better shape up
You need to improve yourself

Cause I need a man
I'm seeking a partner

And my heart is set on you
I have chosen you as my desired partner

You better understand
You need to comprehend

To my heart I must be true
I need to remain faithful to my own feelings

Nothing left
I have no other options