Meaning of "Is This What You Wanted" by The Last Shadow Puppets

The lyrics of "Is This What You Wanted" by The Last Shadow Puppets delve into themes of power dynamics, inadequacy, and questioning the validity of a relationship. The verses paint a picture of imbalance, with one person being equated to religious figures like Jesus Christ and the other to menial or dirty roles. This highlights a sense of one person being revered while the other is diminished. The repeated chorus questioning if this haunted house of a relationship is truly what was desired reflects on the heavy ghost of past choices and actions that linger and haunt the present. The aging process and the passing of time are also explored, with one person staying youthful while the other grows old. The final lines hint at a moment of intimacy and vulnerability, where one person reveals their feelings only to be rejected. Overall, the song captures the complexity of relationships, the struggle for power, and the aftermath of unmet expectations.