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 You Want To
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guess I thought that I was dead
So I just called you from my bed to say hello
You see I got this funny notion
Life is only just an ocean
I've been drowning in emotion
Now I'm swimming back to shore
And I'd like to talk to you
CHORUS
If you want to you can call I'll be around
If you want to you can write this number down
If you want to
If you want to leave a message at the tone
If you want to you can call me here at home
If you want to
I'll be alone
So now I've called
Yes it's been a couple days
Okay seven this I know
But I've been movin' kinda slow
So I called oh it must be so appalling
If you think that I've been stalling
This is me now I am calling
And I'm better than before
And I'd like to talk to you
Don't you want to know don't you want to be
Someone who takes a chance
On a fool like me
Staring at the door
Staring down the hall
Waiting my whole life just for you to call
Hello yes that's what I said
I am breathing I'm not dead
I'm waiting here now in my bed
And I'd like to talk to you
If you want to let your fingers do the walk
If you want to I got hours I can talk
If you want to
Melissa Etheridge's song "If You Want To" is about reaching out to someone who the singer has been out of touch with for a while. The singer seems to have been struggling with emotional issues and feeling lost in life, but has finally found their footing again and wants to reconnect. The lyrics are filled with vulnerability and a desire for connection, with lines like "Don't you want to know don't you want to be Someone who takes a chance On a fool like me" and "Waiting my whole life just for you to call." The repetition of the line "I'd like to talk to you" emphasizes the singer's need for communication and openness.
The chorus is an invitation for the person the singer is trying to reach to get in touch. The singer puts the decision in the hands of the other person, saying "If you want to you can call," "If you want to leave a message at the tone," and "If you want to let your fingers do the walk." The singer seems willing to be patient, reiterating "I'll be alone" and "I got hours I can talk."
Overall, the song is a relatable portrayal of the vulnerability and longing that often accompany the desire to reconnect with someone we care about. It shows the courage it can take to reach out and the hope that doing so can bring.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello yes that's what I said
Acknowledging the recipient's presence
I guess I thought that I was dead
I thought my life was over
So I just called you from my bed to say hello
I'm reaching out to you
You see I got this funny notion
I've had a realization
Life is only just an ocean
Life is vast and unpredictable
I've been drowning in emotion
I've been consumed by feelings
Now I'm swimming back to shore
I'm finding my way back to stability
And I'd like to talk to you
I want to share my journey with you
If you want to you can call I'll be around
I'll make time for you
If you want to you can write this number down
Stay in touch with me
If you want to leave a message at the tone
Don't hesitate to communicate with me
If you want to you can call me here at home
Here's how to reach me
I'll be alone
I'm patiently waiting for your response
So now I've called
I'm taking the initiative
Yes it's been a couple days
I know I've waited a bit
Okay seven this I know
I realize it's been a week
But I've been movin' kinda slow
I'm taking my time to heal
So I called oh it must be so appalling
I know I messed up but please forgive me
If you think that I've been stalling
I wasn't running away from you
This is me now I am calling
I'm taking responsibility
And I'm better than before
I've grown from my experience
Don't you want to know don't you want to be
Wouldn't you like to know
Someone who takes a chance
Someone who risks
On a fool like me
On me despite my flaws
Staring at the door
I'm focused on waiting
Staring down the hall
I'm waiting for your arrival
Waiting my whole life just for you to call
I've been eagerly anticipating your call
I am breathing I'm not dead
I'm still here, alive and well
I'm waiting here now in my bed
I'm still waiting for you
And I'd like to talk to you
I want to connect with you
If you want to let your fingers do the walk
If you prefer to text or email
If you want to I got hours I can talk
I'm free to chat when you are
If you want to
It's your choice, I'm here for you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MELISSA ETHERIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind