Meaning of "I Never Wanted" by As I Lay Dying

The lyrics of "I Never Wanted" by As I Lay Dying delve into themes of longing for a simpler time and rejecting the superficial desires and obsessions of the world. The repeated lines "I never wanted and I never cared before" convey a sense of nostalgia for a state of innocence where the speaker was not burdened by the pressures or desires of the world. They want to go back in time to when they were free from the influence of these external factors.

The lyrics also express a weariness with constantly chasing after things that do not bring true satisfaction. The line "I've grown tired of chasing, convinced I was in need" suggests that the speaker has come to realize that their pursuit of worldly desires has been in vain. They have spent years as a slave to these desires, only to come to the realization that they will never truly fulfill them. This recognition leads to a decision to no longer adore or value these things that will never bring lasting satisfaction.

The song also touches on the cyclical nature of life and death. The line "Tomorrow may fall and today is already gone" implies that each day brings its own set of challenges and disappointments, but ultimately it all leads to death. The repetition of the phrase "In this vicious circle we are all brought back to life only to die" emphasizes this cyclical pattern and the inevitability of death.

Overall, "I Never Wanted" explores the longing to escape the pressures and obsessions of the world, the dissatisfaction with chasing after empty desires, and the recognition of the cyclical nature of life and death.