I Want to Be Loved Like That
Shenandoah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
High school rebel and a beauty queen
Standing together in an angry world
One boy fighting for one girl
I want to be loved like that
I want to be loved like that
A promise, you can't take back
I want to be loved like that
Daddy never gave momma a diamond ring
Momma never worried for anything
What he gave her came from the heart
A bond that was never torn apart
I want to be loved like that
I want to be loved like that
A promise, you can't take back
If you're gonna love me
I want to be loved like that
An old man kneeling all alone
Plants his flowers in a garden of stone
For seven years now she's been gone
And his devotion is still going strong
I want to be loved like that
I want to be loved like that
A promise, you can't take back
If you're gonna love me
I want to be loved like that
The lyrics of Shenandoah's song "I Want to Be Loved Like That" celebrate three different types of love. The first verse is a nod to the intense, passionate but short-lived love between Hollywood icons James Dean and Natalie Wood. Despite the anger in the world around them, they stood together, and for a short time, James fought for Natalie. The second verse is about a different kind of love; that of Shenandoah's parents. It describes the kind of love that may not be flashy or involve diamonds, but is built on a deep bond that keeps them together. Finally, the lyrics speak of the enduring love of an old man who lost his beloved seven years earlier. Even though she is gone, his devotion to her still shines bright, as evidenced by his daily ritual of planting flowers at her grave.
Overall, the message conveyed in the song is that love can come in different forms, but what really matters is that it's true, strong, and unwavering. The chorus underscores this message by repeating that the singer wants to be loved in a way that can't be taken back, a promise that endures.
Line by Line Meaning
Natalie Wood gave her heart to James Dean
A description of two star-crossed lovers who took risks for each other.
High school rebel and a beauty queen
A reference to the common trope of the popular girl falling for the bad boy.
Standing together in an angry world
A metaphor for facing the challenges of life together.
One boy fighting for one girl
A representation of the persistence and effort required to make a relationship work.
Daddy never gave momma a diamond ring
A reference to a humble but loving relationship where material possessions aren't as important as intangible bonds.
Momma never worried for anything
A sense of security and trust between two partners.
What he gave her came from the heart
A focus on the importance of genuine, heartfelt gestures.
A bond that was never torn apart
A signifier of the strength and resilience of a relationship even in hard times.
An old man kneeling all alone
A portrait of a man who has lost his partner but still cherishes her memory.
Plants his flowers in a garden of stone
A beautiful gesture; even though she is gone, he still takes care to maintain a symbolic garden in her honor.
For seven years now she's been gone
Making the case for the endurance of true love even after death.
And his devotion is still going strong
An emotional look into an unwavering love that transcends time and space.
I want to be loved like that
A declaration of longing for a deep, meaningful, and enduring love.
A promise, you can't take back
A vocalization of how important sincerity is in any relationship.
If you're gonna love me
A condition to find a love that is true and long-lasting.
I want to be loved like that
Reiteration of the desire for a love that is strong and pure.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILL LA BOUNTY, PHIL BARNHART, SAM HOGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@almanaylor2586
I was loved like that for 54 years, got married at 16, every one said it wouldn't last, lost my best friend 4 years ago. there will never be another one to take his place. loved like that.
@matthewguerra9001
God bless you Alma, thank you for sharing that. 🙏 that's beautiful, this is your song 🎵 for sure. 🙂
@beastmode7273
Still Blessed for all those years you had together. I'm sorry you lost him 4 years ago. That has to be a hard 4 years. I can't hardly stand a few weeks,..... 4 years? Bless your Soul. I strongly believe you 2 will reunite again, when that day comes. Until you meet again. ♥️
@kenneybis1097
Something isn't beautiful because it lasts, what makes it beautiful is that it doesn't. Cherish every single memory
@taraswift1821
So beautiful. I always wanted love like that!!
@why4299
Lost my best friend as well
@paulcarter8838
My wife and I were married for more than 58 years. She’s in heaven now but I’m that old man planting flowers every 17th. Until I see her again I’ll still cry and yes, I’m still devoted. 3:45
@user-sb6nq6yz2c
❤🎉
@TheBeaulozak
Love this song ! I almost never post here, but I must share this. Five years ago I left the one who loved me like that. I am much older than she, and in my f'ed up mind I thought I was doing the right thing. I crushed her heart and walked away. There was never a day when she didn't cross my mind, and the pain and regret nearly consumed me with booze and hard living. She married another, and I lived each day in misery. I moved on and tried to forget, but never. Fast forward to last week, I walk into a business for sale to inquire the asking price, and she is standing behind the counter. Four eyes full of tears, we sat down and talked. We found we are both now unattatched, and by the grace of god I asked her to forgive me. 18 hours later, my phone rang, and although the road ahead is rocky, we are now on the way to reconciling. People, don't ever give up on the love of your life, go find them. I am convinced God himself led me to that door last week, and my faith is reborn.
@kimjensen1783
AWWWW! Yaayy! I love this story! That is precious! I hope you two are doing well!