The lyrics of Joji's song "WANTED U" speak to the complicated nature of love and desire. The first verse begins with the speaker admitting to being torn and folded into a thousand shapes, suggesting that their emotions are multilayered and hard to understand. They are driven to fornicate inside their lover's broken arms, which suggests that while they may be broken themselves, they seek comfort and intimacy with another person. However, the speaker also recognizes that their intentions are not entirely pure, as they allude to throwing a smile their lover's way in a manipulative manner.

The second verse reveals the speaker's confusion and uncertainty about their feelings. They admit that they cannot tell if their answers to love and desire are even remotely accurate or if they themselves fully understand the complexity of their emotions. The chorus repeats the phrase, "I've been missing a long time, to know I wanted you," which suggests that the speaker struggles with identifying what they truly want and need from a relationship. They offer their lover patience, allowing them to take as much time as they need, and pledge to be honest with them in the end.

The final verse sees the speaker admitting their faults and acknowledging that their love is not without conditions. They are willing to be punished by their lover, even if it means putting themselves in a vulnerable position. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the speaker pledging to make it out alive, suggesting that they have come to some resolution about their emotions and are committed to finding happiness in their relationship.