Meaning of "I Want You" by Lindsey Buckingham

The lyrics of "I Want You" by Lindsey Buckingham are centered around the theme of longing and desire for someone. The repetition of the line "I want you, I have for so long" emphasizes the speaker's persistent desire for this person, suggesting that it has been a long-standing feeling. However, they also question whether their desire was right or wrong, indicating a sense of uncertainty and self-doubt.

The line "through the pleasure and the pain" acknowledges that wanting this person brings both joy and suffering. It implies that while the speaker enjoys the connection and pleasure this person brings, they also experience the pain of longing and potentially unrequited love. This highlights the complexity of their emotions.

The lyrics also reveal the speaker's need to continuously prove their worth to this person. By saying "I guess I had to prove" and "I was someone hard to lose," they imply that they had to work hard to gain the attention and affection of this individual. This hints at a fear of being easily discarded or forgotten, driving them to constantly prove themselves.

The speaker portrays themselves as a "spartan splasher, defensive man of steel," suggesting strength and resilience. They effectively defend themselves against potential emotional harm by asserting that if someone doesn't get to them from the right side, they will be affected from the left. This could be interpreted as a guard against vulnerability or a way to maintain control over their emotions.

Despite this defensive front, the lyrics also indicate a sense of loneliness. The repetition of the line "I sleep all alone, it's all I can do" and "I live all alone, it's all I can do" reveals a deep sense of solitude. This juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability suggests that the speaker may create a shield to protect themselves from potential hurt but still long for emotional connection and companionship.

Ultimately, the lyrics express an immediate and intense desire for this person. The repetition of "I want you, I want you right now" emphasizes the urgency and intensity of this feeling. It suggests that their longing has reached a breaking point, where they can no longer hold back their desire and want immediate gratification. It captures the desperation and intensity of longing for someone.