Meaning of Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths
For many music fans, The Smiths' song "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" is more than just a catchy tune. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the hope that sometimes, despite all odds, things can finally go our way. But what exactly does the song mean? Let's dive into its lyrics to uncover its deeper meaning.
The opening lines, "Good times for a change / See, the luck I've had can make a good man turn bad," set the tone for the theme of frustration and disappointment that runs throughout the song. It's as if the speaker has been through so many rough patches that they've lost faith in ever experiencing anything other than hardship. But then comes the chorus, where the plea for what we want becomes more urgent: "Please, please, please / Let me, let me, let me / Let me get what I want this time."
The repeated use of the phrase "let me" underscores the speaker's sense of entitlement and desperation. They're not just asking for something – they feel like they deserve it, and that the universe owes them some good luck for once. But this is not simply a matter of material possessions or worldly success. The next verse, "Haven't had a dream in a long time / See, the life I've had can make a good man bad," suggests that what the speaker really wants is something more intangible and profound: a sense of purpose, direction, and hope.
The repeated line, "See, the life I've had can make a good man bad," is especially poignant here. It speaks to the idea that adversity can change us in ways we never expect or intend. It can turn even the kindest, most well-intentioned person into someone bitter and resentful. But by acknowledging this truth, the speaker seems to be saying that he's prepared to confront his past mistakes and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
The final lines of the song are some of its most memorable: "Lord knows it would be the first time / Lord knows it would be the first time." By addressing a higher power, the speaker seems to be saying that he's ready for a change – not just in terms of his circumstances, but also in terms of his own mindset and worldview. He's asking for divine intervention, in effect, because he recognizes that he can't do it alone.
This interpretation is supported by the song's history as well. According to lead singer Morrissey, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" was written during a difficult time in his personal life. He and his bandmate Johnny Marr had just left their label, Rough Trade Records, and were struggling to find new opportunities. In a sense, the song can be seen as a prayer for success and redemption – not just for Morrissey and The Smiths, but also for anyone who has ever felt lost or disillusioned.
In conclusion, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the hope that sometimes, despite all odds, things can finally go our way. Its lyrics touch on themes of frustration, desperation, and a longing for something deeper and more profound than mere material possessions or worldly success. Whether you're going through a difficult time or simply looking for a little inspiration, this classic song is a timeless reminder that with faith, determination, and a little bit of luck, we can all get what we want – even if it takes some persistence.
The opening lines, "Good times for a change / See, the luck I've had can make a good man turn bad," set the tone for the theme of frustration and disappointment that runs throughout the song. It's as if the speaker has been through so many rough patches that they've lost faith in ever experiencing anything other than hardship. But then comes the chorus, where the plea for what we want becomes more urgent: "Please, please, please / Let me, let me, let me / Let me get what I want this time."
The repeated use of the phrase "let me" underscores the speaker's sense of entitlement and desperation. They're not just asking for something – they feel like they deserve it, and that the universe owes them some good luck for once. But this is not simply a matter of material possessions or worldly success. The next verse, "Haven't had a dream in a long time / See, the life I've had can make a good man bad," suggests that what the speaker really wants is something more intangible and profound: a sense of purpose, direction, and hope.
The repeated line, "See, the life I've had can make a good man bad," is especially poignant here. It speaks to the idea that adversity can change us in ways we never expect or intend. It can turn even the kindest, most well-intentioned person into someone bitter and resentful. But by acknowledging this truth, the speaker seems to be saying that he's prepared to confront his past mistakes and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
The final lines of the song are some of its most memorable: "Lord knows it would be the first time / Lord knows it would be the first time." By addressing a higher power, the speaker seems to be saying that he's ready for a change – not just in terms of his circumstances, but also in terms of his own mindset and worldview. He's asking for divine intervention, in effect, because he recognizes that he can't do it alone.
This interpretation is supported by the song's history as well. According to lead singer Morrissey, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" was written during a difficult time in his personal life. He and his bandmate Johnny Marr had just left their label, Rough Trade Records, and were struggling to find new opportunities. In a sense, the song can be seen as a prayer for success and redemption – not just for Morrissey and The Smiths, but also for anyone who has ever felt lost or disillusioned.
In conclusion, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the hope that sometimes, despite all odds, things can finally go our way. Its lyrics touch on themes of frustration, desperation, and a longing for something deeper and more profound than mere material possessions or worldly success. Whether you're going through a difficult time or simply looking for a little inspiration, this classic song is a timeless reminder that with faith, determination, and a little bit of luck, we can all get what we want – even if it takes some persistence.
