Meaning of "All You Want" by Dido

The lyrics of "All You Want" by Dido convey a deep longing for emotional connection and intimacy. The singer expresses a yearning to be close to someone, longing to watch them sleep and hear their breath as a way to feel a deep connection and assurance. The repetition of the phrase "all you want" signifies the desire for emotional fulfillment and the belief that it can be found in the presence of the other person. The line "And now our bed is oh so cold" reflects the physical and emotional absence of the person they are longing for. The use of the word "empty" emphasizes the void left behind by their departure.

The lyrics also touch upon the pain caused by a betrayal or infidelity. The line "It's been three years, one night apart, but in that night, you tore my heart" reveals the devastating impact of a single night's actions on the singer's heart. The regret expressed in the line "If only you had slept alone, if those seeds had not been sown" highlights the repercussions of actions and the desire for things to have been different. This longing for the past and a different outcome is further intensified by the repetition of the line "Oh if you'd come home."

The song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance of the situation. The singer mentions hearing the person's key turning in the door, but notes that they won't be hearing that sound anymore. This suggests a finality in their relationship. The line "And you and your sin can leave the way you just came in" implies the acknowledgement of the other person's guilt or wrongdoing. The final request to send regards to the other person indicates a sense of detachment and moving on.

Overall, "All You Want" explores themes of longing, betrayal, and the search for emotional fulfillment. It captures the pain and emptiness that comes from the absence of a loved one, while also reflecting on the aftermath of a troubled relationship.