Meaning of I Want The One I Can't Have - The Smiths
In the world of music, some songs have a deeper meaning behind their lyrics that goes beyond just the melody and beat. The Smiths’ classic hit ‘I Want The One I Can’t Have’ is a perfect example of this. Though the song has an infectious rhythm, it carries a poignant message that speaks to the human condition.
The song begins with the line "On the day that your mentality Decides to try to catch up with your biology". This opening lyric sets the tone for the entire song, suggesting that sometimes our thoughts and feelings do not align with who we are as people. It's a concept that is relatable to many of us, as we all have felt disconnected from our true selves at one point or another.
As the song progresses, the chorus "I want the one I can't have And it's driving me mad / It's written all over my face" becomes a recurring theme. At its core, this line speaks to the idea that sometimes we crave what we cannot have. It could be a person, an opportunity or an experience - something that seems out of reach but still calls to us with irresistible force.
The third verse provides some insight into why this longing for the unattainable can be so all-consuming. "A tough kid who sometimes swallows nails / Raised on Prisoner's Aid / He killed a policeman when he was thirteen / And somehow that really impressed me," Morrissey sings. These lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has experienced hardship and trauma, but still manages to captivate the narrator. It suggests that sometimes we are drawn to people or experiences that we know are not good for us, because they offer a sense of excitement or danger that is otherwise lacking in our lives.
The final verse brings everything together. "On the day that your mentality / Catches up with your biology," Morrissey sings once more. The repetition of this line drives home the importance of self-acceptance and finding harmony between who we are as people and what we want in life. It's a message that is just as relevant today as it was when the song was first released in 1984.
In conclusion, 'I Want The One I Can't Have' by The Smiths is not just a catchy tune, but a powerful commentary on the human condition. Its lyrics touch on themes of self-acceptance, longing and temptation that are relatable to all of us at some point in our lives. By exploring these concepts through music, Morrissey has created a song that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a true classic of the genre.
The song begins with the line "On the day that your mentality Decides to try to catch up with your biology". This opening lyric sets the tone for the entire song, suggesting that sometimes our thoughts and feelings do not align with who we are as people. It's a concept that is relatable to many of us, as we all have felt disconnected from our true selves at one point or another.
As the song progresses, the chorus "I want the one I can't have And it's driving me mad / It's written all over my face" becomes a recurring theme. At its core, this line speaks to the idea that sometimes we crave what we cannot have. It could be a person, an opportunity or an experience - something that seems out of reach but still calls to us with irresistible force.
The third verse provides some insight into why this longing for the unattainable can be so all-consuming. "A tough kid who sometimes swallows nails / Raised on Prisoner's Aid / He killed a policeman when he was thirteen / And somehow that really impressed me," Morrissey sings. These lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has experienced hardship and trauma, but still manages to captivate the narrator. It suggests that sometimes we are drawn to people or experiences that we know are not good for us, because they offer a sense of excitement or danger that is otherwise lacking in our lives.
The final verse brings everything together. "On the day that your mentality / Catches up with your biology," Morrissey sings once more. The repetition of this line drives home the importance of self-acceptance and finding harmony between who we are as people and what we want in life. It's a message that is just as relevant today as it was when the song was first released in 1984.
In conclusion, 'I Want The One I Can't Have' by The Smiths is not just a catchy tune, but a powerful commentary on the human condition. Its lyrics touch on themes of self-acceptance, longing and temptation that are relatable to all of us at some point in our lives. By exploring these concepts through music, Morrissey has created a song that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a true classic of the genre.
