Selfish
N Sync Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I just don't understand
Why you're running from a good man baby
Why you wanna turn your back on love
Why you've already given up

See I know you've been hurt before
But I swear I'll give you so much more
I swear I'll never let you down
Cause I swear it's you that I adore

And I can't help myself, babe
Cause I think about you constantly
And my heart gets no rest over you
You, you, yeah, yeah

You can call me selfish
But all I want is your love
And you can call me hopeless, baby
Cause I'm hopelessly in love
You can call me unperfect but who's perfect?
Tell me what do I gotta do
To prove that I'm the only one for you?
So what's wrong with being selfish?

I'll be taking up your time
Till the day I make you realize
That for you there could be no one else
I've just gotta have you for myself

Baby, I would take good care of you
No matter what it is you're going through
I'll be there for you when you're in need
Baby, believe in me

Cause if love was a crime
Then punish me, I would die for you
Cause I don't want to live without you
Oh, what can I do?

You can call me selfish
But all I want is your love
And you can call me hopeless, baby
Cause I'm hopelessly in love
You can call me unperfect but who's perfect?
Tell me what do I gotta do
To prove that I'm the only one for you?

Why do you keep us apart?
Why won't you give up your heart?
You know that we're meant to be together
Why do you push me away?
All that I want is to give you love
Forever and ever and ever

You can call me selfish
But all I want is your love
And you can call me hopeless, hopless
Cause I'm hopelessly in love
You can call me unperfect but who's perfect?
Tell me what do I gotta do
To prove that I'm the only one for you?

Selfishly I'm in love with you
Cause I've searched my soul
And I know that it's you

Selfishly I'm in love with you
Cause I've searched my soul
And I know that it's you

Selfishly I'm in love with you
Cause I've searched my soul
And I know that it's you

To prove that I'm the only one for you?




So what's wrong with being selfish, selfish, selfish?
So what's wrong with being selfish? Yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to N Sync's song "Selfish" express the singer's frustration with a partner who seems hesitant to commit to a serious relationship. Despite the singer's desire to prove himself loyal and devoted, their partner seems to be pulling away, causing the singer to question why they are turning their back on love. The singer acknowledges that their partner has likely been hurt before, but promises to give them more love than they have ever known. The desire for a committed, loving relationship is so strong that the singer declares they will be "selfish" in their pursuit of it, even if others might criticize their single-mindedness. Overall, the lyrics express a plea for a partner's trust and commitment, even in the face of past hurts.


One interesting fact about the song "Selfish" is that it was co-written by NSYNC member Justin Timberlake, along with fellow group member JC Chasez and songwriter Anders Bagge. The song was released on the album "Celebrity" in 2001, and became a fan favorite, though it was not released as a single. Another interesting fact is that the song features Justin Timberlake singing the bridge in falsetto, showcasing his impressive vocal range. In addition, the song's music video features a cameo from model and actress Estella Warren.


Line by Line Meaning

I just don't understand
I am having a hard time comprehending your actions


Why you're running from a good man baby
Why are you avoiding a relationship with a good man?


Why you wanna turn your back on love
Why do you not want to pursue love?


Why you've already given up
Why have you already lost hope?


See I know you've been hurt before
I understand that you have been hurt in the past


But I swear I'll give you so much more
I promise to offer you more than your previous experiences


I swear I'll never let you down
I promise to never disappoint you


Cause I swear it's you that I adore
I promise that I am truly in love with you


And I can't help myself, babe
I cannot control my feelings for you


Cause I think about you constantly
I always have you on my mind


And my heart gets no rest over you
You constantly occupy my thoughts and emotions


You, you, yeah, yeah
I am referring to you directly


You can call me selfish
I understand if you think I am selfish


But all I want is your love
I only desire your love


And you can call me hopeless, baby
You may perceive me as hopeless when it comes to you


Cause I'm hopelessly in love
I am deeply and unchangeably in love with you


You can call me unperfect but who's perfect?
I accept that I am not perfect, but who is?


Tell me what do I gotta do
Please let me know what I have to do


To prove that I'm the only one for you?
What can I do to demonstrate that I am the only one for you?


So what's wrong with being selfish?
Why is it wrong to have some self-interest in love?


I'll be taking up your time
I will occupy some of your time


Till the day I make you realize
Until the day you come to acknowledge


That for you there could be no one else
You will eventually see that no one else can be for you


I've just gotta have you for myself
I must have you all to myself


Baby, I would take good care of you
I will care for you deeply


No matter what it is you're going through
I will support you through anything


I'll be there for you when you're in need
When you need someone, I will always be there for you


Baby, believe in me
Trust me, please


Cause if love was a crime
If love were prohibited by law


Then punish me, I would die for you
I would go to the extent of sacrificing my life for you if necessary


Cause I don't want to live without you
I cannot imagine a life without you


Oh, what can I do?
There is nothing I can do


Why do you keep us apart?
What is preventing us from being together?


Why won't you give up your heart?
Why are you not open to love?


You know that we're meant to be together
We are destined to be together


Why do you push me away?
Why are you maintaining distance from me?


All that I want is to give you love
All I desire is to give you my love


Forever and ever and ever
For an infinite and eternal amount of time


Selfishly I'm in love with you
My love for you is expressed in a self-centered manner


Cause I've searched my soul
I have introspected and evaluated


And I know that it's you
I know you are my destiny


So what's wrong with being selfish, selfish, selfish?
There is nothing wrong with being self-interested in love


So what's wrong with being selfish? Yeah
Once again, there is nothing wrong with being self-interested in love




Lyrics © UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING,
Written by: JC Chasez, Jolyon Skinner, Veit Renn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jodee Rebecca Davey

This is The Song That I Want Playing at my Wedding,if I Ever Get Married Which I Don’t Ever See Happening

Muse Me

You will sometimes love takes time just gotta be patient love.

Amy Isralewitz

It's going to be ok.. I feel the same way at times

Jodee Rebecca Davey

@Desiree' Dusenberry I Hope so

Jungwoo’s Skrt

This song has a special place in my heart. Even after all these years this will always be my ultimate favorite *NSYNC song.

Lena Beana

Everytime I click on NSYNC songs I always see so much love for JC and his talent🥰 I hope he sees these and knows how much he is loved and hopefully he can grace us with some music. Wishful thinking I guess🤷‍♀️

tiffany Marie

Yaaaaassss he's underrated talent I miss hearing his voice

Arlin W.

2019 and still hopelessly in love with this one and that heavenly voice of Mr. Chasez's

VibewithDogs

Me three!

Estefanía Batista

me too <3

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