According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want
She & Him Lyrics
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See, the luck I've had
Can make a good man
Turn bad
So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
Haven't had a dream in a long time
See, the life I've had
Can make a good man bad
So for once in my life
Let me get what I want
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Lord knows, it would be the first time
The song "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" by She & Him is a cover of a song originally written by The Smiths in 1984. The song reflects the theme of longing and desperation for something that seems out of reach for the singer. The singer has been through tough times and has struggled to achieve their dreams, which has taken away their ability to dream at all. The lyrics "See, the luck I've had, can make a good man turn bad" and "See, the life I've had, can make a good man bad" show the toll that the singer's past experiences have taken on their psyche.
The constant refrain of "let me get what I want" is a plea to the universe to finally let the singer achieve their dreams, for once in their life. The repetition of this phrase shows how much the singer wants it and how much they believe that they deserve it after all they have been through. The fact that it would be the "first time" the singer gets what they want highlights the depth of their longing and desperation.
While the song can be interpreted in many different ways, one possible explanation is that it speaks to the universal human desire to achieve our dreams and the frustration and pain we feel when it seems impossible. The lyrics speak to a raw emotion that many people can relate to, which is why the song has resonated with many listeners over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Good times for a change
Things are looking up and it's a good time for a positive shift in my life
See, the luck I've had
As evidence, my past experiences haven't been favorable or fortunate
Can make a good man turn bad
These experiences have the power to damage one's character and attitude
So please please please
By addressing a higher power, I'm pleading for a positive change
Let me, let me, let me
The repetition emphasizes the urgency and desperation behind my request
Let me get what I want
I'm asking for a specific desire to be fulfilled
This time
Implying that my previous attempts have been unsuccessful
Haven't had a dream in a long time
I haven't had anything to strive for or pursue in a while
See, the life I've had
Once again, past experiences haven't been favorable
Can make a good man bad
My outlook on life and attitude can be negatively impacted by these experiences
So for once in my life
I'm hoping for a rare opportunity to change my circumstances
Let me get what I want
Reiterating my specific desire and goal
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Highlighting the rarity and significance of my request actually being fulfilled
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Repeating for emphasis
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Marr, Steven Patrick Morrissey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind