Meaning of "I Want" by One Direction

The lyrics of "I Want" by One Direction express a frustration with materialism and superficiality in relationships. The singer is addressing someone who values material possessions above all else, as shown by lines such as "Clothes, shoes, diamond rings" and "You just want materials." The singer criticizes this person for always desiring more and never being satisfied with what they have. They highlight that this obsession with possessions is driving them to insanity.

The chorus emphasizes the contrast between the singer's desire for love and connection and the other person's materialistic desires. While the person is preoccupied with wants and accessories, the singer longs to be loved sincerely: "I want, I want, I want, to be loved by you." The repetition of "I want" in the chorus serves to highlight the stark difference in priorities between the two individuals.

Throughout the song, the singer feels undervalued and unrecognized. They believe that if they were to change the world for the other person, they wouldn't even notice. The line "But you want accessories, got to hold it in your hand" suggests that the person only values tangible objects, while the singer desires emotional connection and understanding.

The bridge of the song reveals the singer's frustration and longing for reciprocated love. Despite feeling hurt by the other person's materialistic tendencies, they still want to stay true and genuinely love them. However, they express their desire for the other person to understand the emotional toll their actions have had: "I wanna, I'll stay true, I wanna, if you knew, what you put me through." The lyrics ultimately convey a sense of longing for genuine love and frustration with the shallow nature of the other person's desires.