Westlife is an Irish pop group formed on 3 July 1998. The group's original… Read Full Bio ↴Westlife is an Irish pop group formed on 3 July 1998. The group's original lineup comprised Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Markus Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden (who left in 2004). The group is the only act in UK history to have their first seven singles go straight to Number 1, and they have gone on to sell over 45 million records worldwide.

They were signed by Simon Cowell and are managed by Louis Walsh. In 2008, they were declared as Republic of Ireland's ninth-richest celebrities under 30 years old and 13th in general. They garnered 14 number one singles in the United Kingdom, the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard and trailing behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The group has also broken a few top records, including "Music artist with most consecutive number 1's in the UK" and the "Biggest selling arena act in the Wembley Arena".

Over years of their career, Westlife's music has evolved from teen pop to a pop sound, with an emphasis on ballads. Most of the group's hits have been composed by experienced songwriters, most notably Steve Mac and Wayne Hector.

On 1 June 2008, Westlife marked their 10th anniversary with a concert in Croke Park, Dublin which saw more than 83,000 fans attending the special occasion. Music Week revealed on their website that Westlife is the official third top touring act within the years 2005–2008, while they were 7th top touring act of 2008.

They have announced that they are to split in 2012 after 14 years following a final tour.

Desperado
Westlife Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?

You been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
But I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow
Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy

She'll beat you if she's able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet

Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can't get

Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom well, that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walking through this world all alone

Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You're losin' all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away?

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, open the gate
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you
(let somebody love you)

You better let somebody love you
before it's too late

Overall Meaning

At first glance, Desperado by Westlife appears to be another love song begging the singer to open up and let someone in. However, closer examination reveals a deeper metaphorical meaning based on the imagery of the titular desperado's situation. The song uses the classic trope of a cowboy fending for himself on the lone prairies, except that in the verse, the cowboy is specifically a fence rider. This refers to someone who's been wandering for so long that they've become distant and detached, closing themselves off to other people's love and support.

Despite their rough exterior, it's clear that the desperado isn't simply coldhearted, and that there is a deep pain and hunger driving them. The chorus repeats a plea for them to come to their senses, urging the desperado to consider the possibilities that life has to offer rather than chasing after obstacles and refusing help.

The verse that stands out is the one that describes how a person can become addicted to things that ultimately hurt them. It's a reminder that seeking unattainable goals only causes frustration and disappointment, and it's essential to recognize the good things in life that are already available. Overall, the song appears to be a plea for someone suffering from isolation to seek out love and support to escape their loneliness.

Line by Line Meaning

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
The singer is urging the person addressed in the song to become more self-aware and come out of their current situation.

You been out ridin' fences for so long now
The person has been going through a phase of isolation, separation, and disconnection from people for an extended period of time.

Oh, you're a hard one
The person is seen as tough and difficult to get along with by others, due to their current circumstances and outlook on life.

But I know that you got your reasons
The singer acknowledges that the person's circumstances and behavior are the result of a justified reason or motive, which could involve personal pain, trauma, or past experiences.

These things that are pleasin' you can hurt you somehow
The person may be engaging in behaviors or activities that bring them temporary pleasure, but in the long run, may negatively affect their well-being or cause harm to themselves or others.

Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy, she'll beat you if she's able
The person is warned against getting involved with people who are deceptive, manipulative, or who may exploit or harm them in some way.

You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
The person should focus on building meaningful relationships with people who genuinely care about them and want the best for them.

Now it seems to me, some fine things have been laid upon your table
The person has had many good opportunities or resources given to them, but has failed to fully appreciate or take advantage of them.

But you only want the ones that you can't get
The person is fixated on chasing after things or people that are out of their reach, instead of valuing what they already have or could realistically attain.

Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger
The person is reminded that time is passing by, and they cannot afford to waste any more of it.

Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
The person's emotional and physical needs are causing them to retreat back into their current state of isolation and detachment from others.

And freedom, oh freedom well, that's just some people talkin'
The idea of being free or independent is something that the person may have been fixated on achieving, but in reality, it may not be as fulfilling or satisfying as they had imagined.

Your prison is walking through this world all alone
The person's lack of meaningful connections with others has become a form of self-imposed imprisonment or limitation in their life.

Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The singer is asking the person if they ever feel alone, vulnerable, or exposed in their current state, just like how exposure to cold weather can make one feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
The person's current circumstances or outlook on life leave them feeling bleak and hopeless, as if nothing good or positive can come their way.

It's hard to tell the night time from the day
The person's sense of time and reality may have become distorted due to their prolonged isolation and detachment, making it difficult for them to distinguish between different moments or periods in their life.

You're losin' all your highs and lows
The person's emotional range or ability to feel intense emotions is becoming increasingly diminished or suppressed due to their current circumstances.

Ain't it funny how the feeling goes away?
The person may have become numb or desensitized to their emotions, causing them to disassociate or disconnect from their own feelings and experiences.

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
The singer repeats their concern and urging of the person to become more aware of their circumstances and emotions.

Come down from your fences, open the gate
The person is encouraged to come out of their state of isolation and detachment, and to allow others to come into their life and offer support.

It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
The person is reminded that even in difficult or challenging situations, there is always a glimmer of hope or positivity to be found.

You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)
The person is told to allow others to show them love and affection, and to be open to the possibility of building meaningful relationships with others.

You better let somebody love you before it's too late
The urgency and finality of the situation is emphasized, with the person being warned that time may be running out for them to make positive changes in their life.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Glenn Lewis Frey, Don Hugh Henley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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