"I Wanna Be Adored" was the atmospheric opener to The Stone Roses self-titled debut. The song is propelled by Mani's recognisable bass line, John Squire's droning guitars and Ian Brown's hushed ominous vocals, repeating only a few lines of lyrics throughout the entire song.
The song was first performed live in 1985, during the earliest Stone Roses gigs. It was originally played much faster than its current form. It wasn't until 1987 that the song became the designated concert opener. It would remain at the top of their concert setlists until the Stone Roses disbanded in 1996. The song "I Wanna Be Adored" appears in the movie Welcome to Sarajevo (1997). It is also used in the movie Green Street.
In May 2007, NME magazine placed "I Wanna Be Adored" at number 17 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.
Ian Brown would later perform B-side "Where Angels Play" live from 2004, and a new version was included on the b-side of his single, "Time Is My Everything". In 2002, the music magazine Q voted it 32nd in its list of 100 greatest songs of all time.
I Wanna Be Adored
The Stone Roses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's already in me
I don't need to sell my soul
He's already in me
I wanna be adored
I wanna be adored
He's already in me
I don't need to sell my soul
He's already in me
I wanna be adored
I wanna be adored
Adored
I wanna be adored
You adore me
You adore me
You adore me
I wanna, I wanna
I wanna be adored
I wanna, I wanna
I wanna be adored
I wanna, I wanna
I wanna be adored
I wanna, I wanna
I gotta be adored
I wanna be adored
At its core, The Stone Roses's "I Wanna Be Adored" is an anthem for those seeking validation and adoration. The repetition of the phrase "I wanna be adored" speaks to a deep-seated desire for widespread recognition and praise. The verses, which declare "I don't have to sell my soul, he's already in me," suggest that this desire for adoration is not a selfish pursuit, but rather a reflection of something greater within oneself. The "he" referred to in the lyrics is open to interpretation - it could be a higher power, a muse, or simply one's own artistic inspiration.
The repetition of the phrase "I wanna be adored" throughout the song is coupled with a driving, hypnotic beat that emphasizes the importance of the desire for adoration. The simplicity of the lyrics and the repetitive nature of the song make it easy for listeners to get lost in the trance-like rhythm and feel as though they too are caught up in the quest for adoration.
Ultimately, "I Wanna Be Adored" speaks to the human struggle for acceptance and recognition. Whether it's in the realm of art, love, or simply in our everyday interactions, the desire to be admired and valued is a fundamental part of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't have to sell my soul
I don't need to compromise my values or beliefs to achieve what I desire
He's already in me
I possess the qualities or traits that already make me successful or desirable
I don't need to sell my soul
My inner self is already complete and fulfilled, I don't need external validation
I wanna be adored
I desire to be admired and appreciated by others
Adored
Being adored is my ultimate goal, it means I have achieved outstanding success or popularity
You adore me
I want people to acknowledge and admire me
I wanna, I wanna
I have a strong longing and desire to be adored
I gotta be adored
Being adored is not just a want, it is a necessity for me to feel fulfilled and accomplished
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ian George Brown, John Squire
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kfgramm
I don't have to sell my soul
He's already in me
I don't need to sell my soul
He's already in me
I wanna be adored
I wanna be adored
I don't have to sell my soul
He's already in me
I don't need to sell my soul
He's already in me
I wanna be adored
I wanna be adored
Adored
I wanna be adored
You adore me
You adore me
You adore me
I wanna, I wanna
I wanna be adored
I wanna, I wanna
I wanna be adored
I wanna, I wanna
I wanna be adored
I wanna, I wanna
I gotta be adored
I wanna be adored
@nickwyatt9498
This is my summer of 1989. Working in a record shop in Bristol where this was on constant repeat play. Where I met the lovely woman who was to become my girlfriend and then my wife. Twenty blissful years and then cancer takes her. Can't listen to this without simultaneous tears and gratitude.
@rj3615
You were adored for 20 years. A very fortunate man indeed.
@Skyrilla
Shit, dude... I hope you had 20 amazing years, brother.
@marcuscarlyle2879
Rest in paradise, she was adored
@barrysmith4674
Aww mate I clicked on see more and shiteโฆโฆlife ey lad, keep on smiling ๐๐ค
@zekezzaa6453
Really sorry to hear that mate โค
@alexe.trujillopalma9713
This is the song I can most relate to. I have always wanted to be a door
@martingaynor5017
I'm just a plank
@gallowaygaming75
I wanna be a floor
@marksmarsh2039
ha ha ha