In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, she made a return to the stage and, although bald from chemotherapy, performed a tribute to Janis Joplin with the song "Piece of My Heart". Etheridge's performance was widely lauded, with India.Arie writing "I Am Not My Hair" about Etheridge. Later that year, Etheridge released her first compilation album, Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled. The album was a huge success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard 200, and going Gold immediately. Her latest release is 4th Street Feeling.
Etheridge is known for her mixture of "confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals." She has also been an iconic gay and lesbian activist since her public coming out in January 1993.
If I Wanted To
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
If I wanted to, I could do anything right
I could dance with the devil on a Saturday night
If I wanted to, I could turn matches to gold
I wouldn't have to be in love with you
If I only wanted to
If I only wanted to
If I wanted to, I could run fast as a train
Be as sharp as a needle that's twisting your brain
If I wanted to, I could turn mountains to sand
Have political leaders in the palm of my hand
I wouldn't have to be in love with you
If I only wanted to
Hey, if I only wanted to
I could leave tonight, and I would be all right
Stop holding on if I wanted to, if I only wanted to
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
If I wanted to, I could be as patient as death
Fix this hole in my heart leaking into my flesh
If I wanted to, I could turn sparks into ice
There'd never be another woman
Who could make you think twice
I wouldn't have to be in love with you
If I only wanted to, if I only wanted to
Hey, if I only wanted to
Hey, if I only wanted to
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh
Ah, hey if I wanted to
hey hey hey hey
if I wanted to
hey hey hey hey
if I wanted to
if I wanted to
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh, oh
The lyrics to Melissa Etheridge's song "If I Wanted To" are a declaration of independence and self-empowerment. The singer lists various things she could do if she wanted to, without any regard for societal norms or expectations. She could dance with the devil, turn matches to gold, smoke, drink, and swear without consequence. She could also run as fast as a train, turn mountains to sand, and have political leaders in the palm of her hand. The lyrics also suggest that the singer could leave her current situation without regret or remorse. In essence, the song is a powerful anthem about the freedom to make choices and live life on one's own terms.
The theme of the song is particularly relevant in today's society, where conformity and adherence to social norms are often rewarded while individuality and self-assertion are discouraged. The lyrics suggest that it is possible to carve out one's own path, even in the face of societal pressures. This message is empowering and a reminder that one's fate is ultimately in their own hands.
Overall, "If I Wanted To" is a powerful song that celebrates the freedom to live life on one's own terms. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and do what they want without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Line by Line Meaning
If I wanted to, I could do anything right
I have the power to accomplish anything I set my mind to
I could dance with the devil on a Saturday night
I could choose to engage in reckless and immoral behavior
If I wanted to, I could turn matches to gold
I could create wealth out of nothing
smoke, drink, swear, and I would never grow old
I could engage in unhealthy habits with no consequences
I wouldn't have to be in love with you
I am not bound to love anyone and can choose to leave
If I only wanted to
I have the freedom to make any decision I want
If I wanted to, I could run fast as a train
I have the capacity for speed and agility
Be as sharp as a needle that's twisting your brain
I am clever and can manipulate others
If I wanted to, I could turn mountains to sand
I have the power to accomplish the impossible
Have political leaders in the palm of my hand
I could have significant political influence
I could leave tonight, and I would be all right
I have the freedom to leave, and everything would be okay
Stop holding on if I wanted to, if I only wanted to
I could let go of something and move on if I chose to
If I wanted to, I could be as patient as death
I have the ability to endure suffering or wait indefinitely
Fix this hole in my heart leaking into my flesh
I could overcome my emotional pain
If I wanted to, I could turn sparks into ice
I have the ability to freeze or shut down emotionally
There'd never be another woman Who could make you think twice
I have complete control over your thoughts and emotions
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MELISSA ETHERIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Katie Bennett
Got the chance to see her live and unplugged really close to the stage it was AMAZING. If you get the chance please get a ticket and go!
Nikki Jett
I love all her music it always put's me in a good mood even if I am going through alot
kathy orjuela
Thank you God for allowing Melissa to survive & continue rocking us all! AMEN.
Darin Carlin
I dont sleep much. What helps is to dream before sleep. I can fly. I can change the political world, I become infinity. This song sets the dream up proper. If i want it to. Thx Melissa.
tularegirl
Her songs always speak to my soul
Wunderlaand
One of the first albums I fell in love with, and this was as a young teen simply because my mom played the songs so much. Absolutely love this.
WeAreSquishies
Her music is amazing!
gwenyffyr
Another song of Melissa's that got me through hard times.
everstrangebutterfly
I've grown up with Melissa in my repertoire of music and she's always been a source of inspiration and strength throughout my life. Thanks so Melissa! Keep it up :)
jeremiahmcc
Same....