I Want You
Rachael Yamagata Lyrics


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You sat down next to me, like poetry to wine
Our window looked upon a yellow neon sign
I took your hand while you decided what to do
The only kiss I ever miss, I shared with you
The other cities hold a memory still of a place
But when I dream of London, I can only see your face

I want you
Or no one
No one else will do
You, or no one
No one is the only one
to fill the empty space I hold for you

You simplified me down to slogans on the wall
I took offense, but you were right about them all
My friends are telling me I shouldn't waste my time
But I can't concentrate until I make you mine
I'm drawing cards and making wishes down by the well
Who would've known I'd lose myself in the old hotel

I want you
Or no one
No one else for me
You, or no one
No one else is strong enough
to slow me down in time to set me free
I want you
Or no one
No one else is fine
Oh, you, or no one




No one is the only one
to fill me up until I make you mine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rachael Yamagata's song "I Want You" are about the intense desire to be with someone who has come to mean everything to the singer. The opening lines describe a moment shared between the two, where they sit together, and the singer offers their hand, creating an intimate connection. The neon sign outside the window may represent the external world that seems unimportant compared to the connection between the singer and the person they desire. The singer then expresses the longing they feel for this person, which is heightened when they think of them even in other places.


The second verse is about the person's ability to see the singer for who they really are, reducing them to "slogans on the wall." Even if the singer takes offense initially, they ultimately realize that person was right. Despite their friends' reservations, the singer cannot help but focus on this person and desires them intensely. The lyrics about drawing cards and making wishes by the well suggest the singer is practicing some form of divination, hoping that they will end up with this person.


The chorus repeats the same phrase, emphasizing the singular desire the singer has. They want this person or no one else. The final line, "to fill me up until I make you mine," suggests the depth of feeling that the singer has for this person. Overall, the lyrics are a testament to the overwhelming emotions that can come with desire and the all-consuming feelings that accompany it.


Line by Line Meaning

You sat down next to me, like poetry to wine
Your presence is like the perfect complement to my life, enhancing its quality.


Our window looked upon a yellow neon sign
Our surroundings were dimly lit, but that didn't matter as long as we were together.


I took your hand while you decided what to do
My admiration and affection for you prompted me to show support in every aspect of your life.


The only kiss I ever miss, I shared with you
I reminisce about the unforgettable experience of sharing a romantic moment with you.


The other cities hold a memory still of a place
There are reminiscent traces of our relationship in other cities which we have visited.


But when I dream of London, I can only see your face
My mind regularly takes me back to London, just to vividly relive memories of you and I.


I want you
You are who my heart yearns for.


Or no one
There is no one else who can take your place in my heart.


No one else will do
I only have eyes for you, and no one else can change that.


You, or no one
I'm committed to having you in my life or no one at all.


No one is the only one
The only one for me is you alone, and no other person can ever fit that bill.


to fill the empty space I hold for you
The void in my heart can only be filled by you.


You simplified me down to slogans on the wall
You made things clear to me by simplifying them, and I appreciate that about you.


I took offense, but you were right about them all
I was initially displeased, but after reflecting, I came to realize that everything you said about me is accurate.


My friends are telling me I shouldn't waste my time
Those close to me have reservations about being devoted to you, but I can't help how I feel.


But I can't concentrate until I make you mine
I can't fully focus until you and I are together.


I'm drawing cards and making wishes down by the well
I'm looking to draw luck from all sources to ensure that we get to be together.


Who would've known I'd lose myself in the old hotel
Unexpectedly, I find myself deeply and intensely involved in this romance.


No one else for me
There is no other individual who can fill the space that is poised for you in my heart.


No one else is strong enough to slow me down in time to set me free
Only you can make me slow down enough to live in the moment and live my best life.


No one else is fine
You are the one, and only one for me.


Oh, you, or no one
The choice is simple for me - it's either you, or no one at all.


No one is the only one to fill me up until I make you mine
The only person capable of making me feel whole and complete is you alone, and my goal is to make you a part of my life forever.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RACHAEL AMANDA YAMAGATA, DAN WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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