Feeding on a diet of The Pogues, Paul Kelly, and whatever else was playing, Joy cut his teeth performing at open mic nights in Melbourne. His style is folk music with pop influences. His songs capture the familiar pulse of everyday experiences in a unique and celebratory manner. His lyrics reach out to you and hold on for a moment.
All I Ever Wanted
Vance Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My dad he held me screaming in his arms,
He can talk like it was yesterday,
When I got that holy water in my eye,
It's alright, is it just alright.
See all those faces coming down,
Trying not to let them down,
Well I can still see the sun on the water,
I can still feel your sunlight.
And all I ever wanted was time,
You know that all I ever wanted was time.
And I know that I come on strong,
Forgive me I just couldn't help myself
And I have changed but I'm better now,
And I see you in this new and perfect light,
You're so fine, you're oh so fine.
See all those faces coming down,
Trying not to let them down,
This time, babe is that alright,
Well I can still see the sun on the water,
I can still feel your sunlight.
And all I I ever wanted was time,
You know that all I ever wanted was time.
Dadadadadadadadada
Dadadadadadadadada
Dadadadadadadadada
Dadadadadadadadada
Dadadadadadadadada
Dadadadadadadadada
Dadadadadadadadada
You know that all I ever wanted was time,
You know that all I ever wanted was time,
You know all that we ever really needed was time.
In Vance Joy's song "All I Ever Wanted," the lyrics recount the artist's birth and coming of age while searching for a sense of belonging and identity. The opening lines recount his birth on a Saturday as his father held him, which emphasizes the significance of this moment for him, as he grows up and comes to understand just how much his start in life affects the person he eventually becomes. The lyric "got that holy water in my eye" could also be a reference to his baptism and subsequent entrance into religion - an important factor in his upbringing and search for meaning.
As the song progresses, Vance Joy reflects on the passage of time and his place in the world. He sings of seeing "all those faces" around him and feeling the weight of their expectations. Despite the pressure, he remains steadfast in his desire to make a meaningful impact on those around him. There is a palpable sense of vulnerability in the lines "all I ever wanted was time" and "you know that all we ever really needed was time." The artist recognizes that time is fleeting and wants to make the most of his life and the relationships he has.
The final lines of the song offer a sense of closure, with Vance Joy singing "you know all that we ever really needed was time." The chorus of the song repeats this line, driving home the message that time is precious and must be valued. The song is a testimony to the importance of taking the time to appreciate life's small moments, cherish relationships with loved ones, and seek personal growth and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born on a Saturday,
I entered this world on a Saturday.
My dad he held me screaming in his arms,
My father embraced me while I was crying.
He can talk like it was yesterday,
My father recalls the moment vividly.
When I got that holy water in my eye,
I remember getting holy water in my eye.
It's alright, is it just alright.
Is everything okay?
See all those faces coming down,
I see all those people approaching.
Trying not to let them down,
I'm attempting not to disappoint them.
This time, babe is that alright,
Is it okay this time, my love?
Well I can still see the sun on the water,
I still have a vivid image of sun reflecting in water.
I can still feel your sunlight.
I still feel the warmth of your love.
And all I ever wanted was time,
All I ever desired was time.
You know that all I ever wanted was time.
You know that the only thing I truly desired was time.
And I know that I come on strong,
I realize that I can be overwhelming.
Forgive me I just couldn't help myself
I apologize, but I couldn't control my actions.
And I have changed but I'm better now,
I've changed and improved as a person.
And I see you in this new and perfect light,
I see you in a new perspective, and you are perfect to me.
You're so fine, you're oh so fine.
You are amazing, absolutely amazing.
Dadadadadadadadada
You know that all I ever wanted was time,
You know that I always wanted time.
You know all that we ever really needed was time.
Time is all we ever truly required.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES KEOGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
alessandra revilla
He is much more than a singer, writer or performer.
He is originality, talent, love and a little bit of humor all together in a beautiful person.
(More than a perfect hair too)
Super Craig
Your album is the best thing I have ever bought
MrBillovic
I'm begging you! Come to Greece! If you go on a European tour, please, don't forget us! Because of your songs you have become my favourite artist..
Fabiola Flores
Everything he writes is just perfect ! Always makes me get tingles!!
Jennifer B.
Love this! You're my new favorite artist James. Keep it up!
Always&ForeverFangirling
Love this .I've been listening to Vance all day long.
Someweirdnerdygirl
I love your songs!! You are so talented! Thank you so much for making music I relate to so much!
Wonderstruck Fawns
Vance, you were born on a Tuesday mate.
Erin Harger
vance joy is my spirit animal
Letty Gonzalez
so awesome to see him interacting with everyone😌