Meaning of "I Wish" by One Direction

The lyrics of "I Wish" express the feelings of unrequited love and longing. The narrator is deeply infatuated with someone, but that person is involved with someone else. As they watch their crush interact with their partner, the narrator can't help but feel a sense of pain and jealousy. They yearn for the person they love to look at them with the same affection and intimacy that they show to their current partner. The narrator desires to express their love through three little words but is unable to find the courage to do so. They daydream about a different reality where time could turn back and they could be the one by their crush's side. The lyrics also highlight the physical and emotional toll of watching the person they love be with someone else, as every kiss feels like a breaking point for the narrator. They imagine what it would be like to dance with their crush, to have their hands on their waist under moonlight, and to be the one they call later to say good night. Ultimately, the song expresses the pain, longing, and deep desire for reciprocation that accompanies unrequited love.