Want You
Mariah Carey & Eric Benét Lyrics


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It's just the way I want you baby
Oh so bad
It's just the feeling that comes over me
I had a crush on you
Painstakingly I
Would conceal the truth
You probably always knew
But I was timid like a child
Inhibited and way too shy
I'd glance but then avert my eyes
All twisted up in my desire
But I am not that girl today
Ain't a lot of time for games
I've waited and I've waited now
It's time for me to tell you
'Bout the way
It's just they way I want you baby
Oh so bad
Every night and everyday
Must we hesitate
It's just the feeling that comes over me
I cannot alleviate
Please don't make me wait
It's just the way I want you baby
Oh so bad
Every night and everyday
Baby I
Was so into you
Now I wonder why
I never pursued
You the way I wanted to
Kiss me and touch me and
Immerse your love in mine
I'll keep unraveling
As we explore our fantasies tonight
(Tell me what you like)
(Now show me what you like)
It's just the way I want you baby
So bad
Every night and everyday
Must we hesitate
It's just the feeling that comes over me
I cannot alleviate




Please don't make me wait
Repeat

Overall Meaning

In "Want You," Mariah Carey and Eric Benét sing about their unrequited love for each other. The song speaks to the heart of anyone who has had a secret crush on someone they were too scared to approach. Mariah's vocals are sweeping and emotive, capturing the feeling of longing and desire that comes with a forbidden love. With lines like "It's just the feeling that comes over me, I cannot alleviate," the song is a powerful anthem for all of those who have ever had to keep their feelings hidden.


The lyrics are a declaration of love that has been buried for quite some time. Mariah sings about the pain she endured in keeping her feelings for Eric hidden, but she is no longer the shy girl she used to be. She is now empowered, unafraid to confess her love and desires to him. The song's chorus repeats, "It's just the way I want you baby, oh, so bad, every night and every day," which speaks to the unrelenting nature of her love, which has stood the test of time.


Overall, "Want You" is a passionate song about the power of love and desire, specifically, when it's been suppressed for too long. Mariah's and Eric's duet captures the emotional depth and vulnerability that comes when we choose to express our affection for another.


Line by Line Meaning

It's just the way I want you baby
This is how I desire you, with great intensity and longing


Oh so bad
My desire for you is so strong that it almost hurts


It's just the feeling that comes over me
This intense desire is a feeling that I cannot control


I had a crush on you
I was attracted to you even before I fully realized it myself


Painstakingly I Would conceal the truth You probably always knew But I was timid like a child Inhibited and way too shy I'd glance but then avert my eyes All twisted up in my desire
I was too afraid to tell you how I felt, even though you probably already sensed it. I was nervous and hesitant, unable to fully express my feelings, which made me feel both childish and consumed by my desire for you.


But I am not that girl today Ain't a lot of time for games I've waited and I've waited now It's time for me to tell you
I'm tired of playing games and waiting for the right moment. Today, I'm a different person who is bold enough to claim what I want, and I've waited long enough to confess to you how I feel.


'Bout the way
I want to talk to you about the way I feel


Every night and everyday Must we hesitate
Our desire is so strong that it consumes us, and we cannot continue delaying acting upon it any longer.


Please don't make me wait
I cannot wait any longer and I am asking you not to make me hold back any further, instead, make a move and express your own desire for me.


Baby I Was so into you Now I wonder why I never pursued You the way I wanted to
I was deeply attracted to you, but I regret not acting on my feelings earlier and not pursuing you the way I now realize I should've done.


Kiss me and touch me and Immerse your love in mine I'll keep unraveling As we explore our fantasies tonight (Tell me what you like) (Now show me what you like)
I want you to kiss me, touch me, and passionately make love to me, as we explore each other's secret desires and fantasies. I'm eager to explore what turns you on, so tell me what you want, and show me what drives you crazy.




Contributed by Victoria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@617kenny

It's just the way I want you baby
Oh so bad
It's just the feeling that comes over me

I had a crush on you
Painstakingly I
Would conceal the truth
You probably always knew
But I was timid like a child
Inhibited and way too shy
I'd glance but then avert my eyes
All twisted up in my desire
But I am not that girl today
Ain't a lot of time for games
I've waited and I've waited now
It's time for me to tell you
'Bout the way

It's just they way I want you baby
Oh so bad
Every night and everyday
Must we hesitate
It's just the feeling that comes over me
I cannot alleviate
Please don't make me wait
It's just the way I want you baby
Oh so bad
Every night and everyday

Baby I
Was so into you
Now I wonder why
I never pursued
You the way I wanted to

Kiss me and touch me and
Immerse your love in mine
I'll keep unraveling
As we explore our fantasies tonight
(Tell me what you like)
(Now show me what you like)

It's just the way I want you baby
So bad
Every night and everyday
Must we hesitate
It's just the feeling that comes over me
I cannot alleviate
Please don't make me wait

[Repeat]



All comments from YouTube:

@ralphstuartjenkins1228

I love all of Mariah's music but this song is by far my most favorite from all her music.

@djsmith37z

They sound so good together.

@harmonymillar8321

Agreed

@misterbee66

Yes, they do. I looooove this song.

@kennra3982

OMG one of my favorite Mariah & Eric Benet songs. A throwback and nod to that 80's S.O.S. Band & Loose Ends sound! I love it!!! Much respect to Jam & Lewis and Nick Martinelli for that unmistakable sound. Peace y'all💯❤️

@michalmazurewicz7240

Such a great song!!! It should have been a single!!! 💖🔥 #justiceforglitter

@oradahh

Une chanson réellement enchanteresse 💜
Ce duo est juste parfait ✨
Et c'est album incroyable 💜

@naph8189

fell in love w this song the first time I heard it which was when I was about 12 years old. cant ever get over it.

@lavondacheromiah6445

Me too

@truthbtold8088

Same!

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