Meaning of "Everything You Want" by Vertical Horizon

The lyrics of "Everything You Want" by Vertical Horizon delve into the complexities of a relationship where one person seems to have everything the other person wants and needs, yet still fails to fulfill them emotionally. The song opens with the idea that there is something missing in the protagonist's life, something they have been searching for but cannot quite grasp. The line "it's already coming in" suggests that the answer or the fulfillment they desire is just within reach, but they are still unable to fully comprehend it. The lyrics further explain that the protagonist has been conditioned to desire this person, to rely on them for validation and fulfillment. They have been fed this idea that this person is everything they want, and now that they have them, they are left questioning their own desires and the reasons behind their attachment.

The song then offers a comparison between the past and the present. The protagonist reflects on the moments they believed they were learning and growing, but realizes that they were merely going through the motions, leaving behind only scars and reminders of their naivety. They long to hear the echoes of angels, symbolizing the hope of finding genuine connection and understanding, but these echoes never return. It suggests that the person they are with is unable to provide the emotional depth and connection they crave.

The chorus repeats the idea that this person is everything the protagonist wants and needs, saying the right things at the right time, yet they mean nothing to the protagonist, and they can't understand why. It highlights the discrepancy between the external appearance of the relationship and the actual feelings within. The next verse reveals the protagonist's longing for someone to fix them, to put them together and push them away. They are stuck in a cycle of searching for love and validation from this person, always hoping for more, always finding new wounds that need healing.

The bridge of the song represents a turning point. The protagonist realizes that the answers they seek are not on the island, not in the safety of their comfort zone. They venture onto the highway, symbolizing a willingness to explore new possibilities and leave behind the familiar. However, the lyrics suggest that even in this new journey, they still hide away, unable to fully confront their emotions and face the reality of the situation. The build-up of anger and frustration from the unfulfilled desire for genuine connection is personified by the "anger of angels who won't return", emphasizing the deep emotional pain that this lack of emotional connection causes.

The lyrics come full circle in the final chorus, where the protagonist reveals that they too are everything the other person wants and needs. However, despite saying all the right things and being there at the right time, the protagonist realizes that they also mean nothing to the other person, and they are left questioning their own lack of understanding as to why this is the case.

Overall, "Everything You Want" explores the theme of unfulfilled desires and the confusion that arises from being in a relationship where there is a lack of emotional connection. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and the longing for genuine understanding and connection.