Wish You Were Here
Ryan Adams Lyrics


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Cotton candy and a rotten mouth
You know you're so fucked up
You know I couldn't help but have it for you

And everybody knows the way I walk
And knows the way I talk
And knows the way I feel about you
It's all a bunch of shit
And there's nothing to do around here
It's totally fucked up
I'm totally fucked up
Wish you were here

And streets that only turn to boulevards
And houses with back yards
And it is raining like hell on the cars
And everybody knows the way I walk
And knows the way I talk
Knows the way I feel about you
It's all a bunch of shit
And there's nothing to do around here
It's totally fucked
I'm totally fucked
Wish you were here

And if I could have my way
We'd take some drugs
And we'd smile
We'd smile
We'd smile
But not tonight, my dear
Wish you were here
Wish you were here




Wish you were here
Wish you were here

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of this song are both sentimental and melancholic, with a touch of despair. The singer is reminiscing about the past and wishing for things that are no longer there. The first verse talks about someone being "so fucked up" and having a "rotten mouth," but despite that, the singer couldn't help having feelings for them. This shows the contradictory nature of emotions - even when we know something is not right for us, we often still feel drawn towards it.


The second verse paints a picture of the surroundings, with streets turning into boulevards and houses with backyards. The rain falls heavily on cars, adding to the already desolate feeling of the setting. The verse ends again with the singer reiterating how much they feel about this person, even though it's "all a bunch of shit."


Towards the end of the song, the singer expresses their desire to take drugs and smile with the person they're missing. However, they recognize that it's not possible at the moment and that they're "totally fucked." The line "wish you were here" is sung multiple times, driving home the theme of longing and nostalgia.


Line by Line Meaning

Cotton candy and a rotten mouth
I am indulging in unhealthy pleasures


You know you're so fucked up
You are well aware of your issues and struggles


You know I couldn't help but have it for you
I still have strong feelings for you despite your flaws


And everybody knows the way I walk
My behavior and personality are familiar to all


And knows the way I talk
People recognize my way of speaking


And knows the way I feel about you
It's clear to everyone that I have deep emotions for you


It's all a bunch of shit
The situation is frustrating and disappointing


And there's nothing to do around here
There are no interesting activities to engage in


It's totally fucked up
The circumstance is severely messed up


I'm totally fucked up
I am also completely overwhelmed


Wish you were here
I wish you were present to help me cope


And streets that only turn to boulevards
The environment feels monotonous and stagnant


And houses with back yards
The houses have private outdoor space, but it doesn't bring much joy


And it is raining like hell on the cars
The weather is relentlessly bleak and damp


And if I could have my way
If I had control over the situation


We'd take some drugs
We would use substances as an escape mechanism


And we'd smile
We would find solace in each other's company


We'd smile
We'd put on a happy facade


We'd smile
We'd try to ignore our problems and focus on the positive


But not tonight, my dear
We can't do that right now


Wish you were here
I miss you and your support


Wish you were here
I wish we were together


Wish you were here
I long for your presence


Wish you were here
I need you




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRAD RICE, RYAN ADAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jesskiper9498

Love this song. I’ll never forget it

@urgulp1554

Quality tune, always loved this album.

@dannyvarner8073

Legendary tune

@Betterman89

Such a great and fucking underrated song

@adamottone5781

To boobie tom ottone

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