Meaning of "I Wanted It Too" by Roberta Flack

"I Wanted It Too" by Roberta Flack explores the universal experience of longing for something that ultimately does not work out. The song begins with the narrator acknowledging their desire for the same thing as someone else. This desire is described as being "hungry and blue," suggesting a longing and sadness associated with unfulfilled aspirations. The person they are addressing had "the right style" and brought sweetness into their life. The initial stages of the relationship were filled with love and happiness, but ultimately, that love slipped away.

There is a sense of acceptance and maturity throughout the song. The narrator realizes that love only comes once and that it is important to seize the opportunity when it arises. However, despite both of them reaching for it, love slipped through their hands. This implies that timing and circumstances played a role in the failure of their relationship. The narrator expresses gratitude for the memories and the person's impact on their life. They can still hear the person's plans and feel chills thinking about them, suggesting that the memories still hold power and significance.

The song delves into the bittersweet nature of relationships and the recognition that everything has its time. It acknowledges that although they may not have ended up together, the experience was valuable and irreplaceable. The lyrics imply that the person they desired was unique and that there will never be anyone like them again. This emphasizes the special connection they had and the individuality of their experience.

Overall, "I Wanted It Too" explores themes of longing, love, missed opportunities, and acceptance. It highlights the complexities of human connections and the beauty of cherishing what once was. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering a sense of closure and gratitude for the past.