Meaning of "All I Wanted" by Paramore

The lyrics of "All I Wanted" by Paramore speak to the deep longing and desire for someone's love and attention. The narrator expresses their yearning by pleading for the person to think of them while they are out and about, demonstrating their desperation and longing for a connection. They are willing to humble themselves and beg on their knees to gain the other person's affection.

The second part of the lyrics reflect the narrator's feelings of disappointment and resignation. They compare their dream-like love for the person to the world treating them "way too fairly," highlighting the unfairness and cruelty of reality. The narrator sees themselves as a dream, something unattainable and out of reach, emphasizing the unfulfilled desire for the person's love and attention.

The lines about pacing the apartment, falling asleep on the couch, and waking up to black and white reruns depict a sense of emptiness and loneliness. These activities represent the narrator trying to find solace and distraction from their longing through mundane routine. The repetition of the line "All I wanted was you" throughout the song intensifies the sentiment of unfulfilled desire and the central theme of the lyrics.

The lyrics take a bittersweet turn when the narrator suggests following the person to the beginning of their relationship, hoping to recapture the spark and excitement they once shared. This reveals the narrator's longing for the past and their desire to reclaim the happiness and joy that has been lost. The reference to "favorite parts" emphasizes the small moments of togetherness and shared experiences that have been overshadowed by the longing and unrequited love.

Overall, "All I Wanted" reflects the pain, longing, and desperation of unrequited love. It captures the profound desire for someone's attention and affection, while also highlighting the disappointment and resignation that follows when those desires are unfulfilled.