All I Ever Wanted
N!tro Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

No painted trains on the underground
No kids with spray cans jumping over fences
All the suits and the ties all march in a straight line
Deafening the sound of the helpless

It's a city of a thousand heartbeats
No room for another soul
The same building on a different street
But nobody knows

Tear it down 'til it's gone
All you ever, all you ever wanted
Kill the lights while they're on
Is it all you ever, all you ever wanted?

Stand in a line for the hole in the wall
'Cause people still need cash to buy their freedom
Moving forward, walking back
Everyone is falling, but we don't see them

A day away from a stroke of bad luck
Money's slipping right through the cracks
It's a shame how we don't know
What we really have

Tear it down 'til it's gone
All you ever, all you ever wanted
Kill the lights while they're on
Is it all you ever, all you ever wanted?

Is it all you ever wanted?

Mine's a city with a thousand heartbeats
But we're just tryna keep a dream alive




New sign on an old street
I don't recognize

Tear it down 'til it's gone
All you ever, all you ever wanted
Kill the lights while they're on
Is it all you ever, all you ever wanted?
Is it all you ever wanted?

Overall Meaning

In N!tro's song "All I Ever Wanted," the lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban life characterized by both conformity and a loss of authentic self-expression. The opening lines set a tone of disenchantment as they reference the absence of artistic youth culture—symbolized by "painted trains" and "kids with spray cans." Instead, the image of "suits and ties" marching in line suggests a sterile, corporate environment stripped of individuality and creativity. This imagery implies a societal structure that prioritizes order and conformity, drowning out the voices of the "helpless," those who feel marginalized within this rigid framework. The juxtaposition of vibrant street art and lifeless routines evokes a nostalgia for a time and place where personal expression was valued.


As the song progresses, the concept of urban life is further explored through the metaphor of "a city of a thousand heartbeats." This phrase captures the essence of a bustling metropolis where every individual represents a distinct voice or experience, yet they remain unheard in the cacophony of existence. The mention of "the same building on a different street" highlights a sense of monotony and sameness in urban landscapes, where while the physical structures might change, the essence of the human experience feels repetitive and unacknowledged. This line serves to underscore a theme of alienation, suggesting that even amidst the chaos of the city, connection amongst individuals is ultimately lost, exemplifying a broader social crisis.


The chorus echoes a sense of disillusionment, urging listeners to "tear it down 'til it's gone." This phrase can be interpreted as a call to dismantle the oppressive structures that stifle individuality and authenticity. By posing the existential question "Is it all you ever wanted?," the lyrics challenge listeners to reflect on their desires and aspirations in an environment that often prioritizes material success and societal approval over personal fulfillment. The imagery of killing the lights while they are on connotes a desire to experience life in its raw form, even if it leads to darkness—a metaphor for embracing vulnerability over artificial illumination or superficial joy.


Towards the end of the song, the lyrics again evoke the theme of struggle and resilience. The line "a day away from a stroke of bad luck" alludes to the precarious nature of life, where instability and uncertainty are ever-present. The notion that "money's slipping right through the cracks" captures a critical commentary on the socioeconomic divide, wherein individuals are often trapped in a cycle of labor just to attain fleeting moments of perceived freedom. Ultimately, N!tro emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating what one truly has, challenging listeners to reassess their values and the fundamental desires that drive them in a world that often feels overwhelming and disorienting. With this insight, the song serves as a poignant reflection on the human condition, urging both recognition and rebellion against socio-political constraints that define modern life.


Line by Line Meaning

No painted trains on the underground
There are no vibrant expressions of creativity or individuality in the hidden corners of urban life.


No kids with spray cans jumping over fences
The youthful spirit of rebellion and artistic expression is absent, reflecting a restrictive environment.


All the suits and the ties all march in a straight line
Conformity prevails, as the professional class adheres rigidly to societal expectations.


Deafening the sound of the helpless
The overpowering presence of authority and wealth drowns out the voices of those in need.


It's a city of a thousand heartbeats
The metropolis is alive with countless stories and experiences, each heartbeat representing a life.


No room for another soul
The city feels overcrowded and inhospitable, leaving little space for new beginnings or ideas.


The same building on a different street
Despite superficial changes, the underlying structures and issues remain constant.


But nobody knows
Awareness of our surroundings and shared experiences seems to be lacking among the residents.


Tear it down 'til it's gone
The urge to dismantle what exists in order to make way for something new and meaningful.


All you ever, all you ever wanted
Reflecting on desires and aspirations, questioning whether they've been truly fulfilled.


Kill the lights while they're on
A metaphor for cutting off vitality or potential at its peak, leading to loss and darkness.


Is it all you ever, all you ever wanted?
A profound inquiry into whether the pursuits of one's life truly align with their deepest desires.


Stand in a line for the hole in the wall
People queue up in hopes of accessing basic needs, underscoring societal inequalities.


'Cause people still need cash to buy their freedom
Financial resources are essential for individuals to attain independence and autonomy in life.


Moving forward, walking back
The paradox of progress where actions intended for advancement revert to previous states.


Everyone is falling, but we don't see them
Many are struggling and facing setbacks, yet society turns a blind eye to their plight.


A day away from a stroke of bad luck
Life is precarious, and misfortune can strike at any moment, highlighting vulnerability.


Money's slipping right through the cracks
Financial stability is elusive, with resources diminishing faster than they can be grasped.


It's a shame how we don't know
The collective ignorance about the broader implications of our lives, desires, and opportunities is disheartening.


What we really have
A call to acknowledge the genuine treasures and blessings that often go unrecognized.


Mine's a city with a thousand heartbeats
Though the artist's city is vibrant and full of life, it reflects a personal connection to its pulse.


But we're just tryna keep a dream alive
Despite challenges, there's a persistent effort to hold on to aspirations and hopes for the future.


New sign on an old street
Even with changes in signage or branding, the essence of the place remains stagnant and unrecognizable.


I don't recognize
A feeling of estrangement from the once-familiar environment, illustrating personal and societal shifts.


Tear it down 'til it's gone
Reiterating the desire to destruct what currently exists to pave the way for new possibilities.


All you ever, all you ever wanted
A haunting echo of aspirations, questioning their reality against life's complexities.


Kill the lights while they're on
The shocking loss of vibrancy at the pinnacle of life, leading to a void once illumination fades.


Is it all you ever, all you ever wanted?
This recurring question serves as a profound exploration of the significance of one's pursuits.


Is it all you ever wanted?
A final introspective challenge to reconcile dreams with reality, and to seek clarity in desires.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gerald Eaton, Michael Elizondo

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sammiemjh

Im 25 and this is my guilty pleasure song😩 has been since 2009

@2stonedplaya

Same lol
this song has aged pretty well too

@AlexCastillo-sm4lz

Sam H. ❤️

@jsetswag

when did this song come out?

@sammiemjh

@@jsetswag Not too sure exactly probably 2008 or 2009

@nineinchthread

I do think this was ahead of it's time as Hyperpop and scene culture is making a reassurance.

1 More Replies...

@lilholographic722

N!tro was so ahead of his time..

@reptil_diy

He would have blown tf up in the 2015-16 Emo rap scene

@lilholographic722

@@reptil_diy no doubt im actually friends with him and he’s working on new stuff again finally.. nothing like this but im confident that he’s going to find his niche with what he’s doing.

@reptil_diy

@@lilholographic722 stoked to hear that 🔥

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