Why Do I Always Want The Things That I Can't Have

I've been looking for love in all the wrong places Seeing your eyes in strangers' faces Searching for God in all of my vices Staying out 'til the sun it rises I, I light a cigarette Call myself a cab If only you were here It wouldn't be so bad Why do I always want the things that I can't have? It's so sad I've been dancing all night and my feet are hurting Taking the pills but they're still not working Trying to get by in this lonely city I'm leaving tonight, do you wanna come with me? I, I know this little place That we can go relax Walk and run our fingers through the tips of the tall grass Why do I always want the things that I can't have? It's so sad Storms start to rise Helicopters are in the skies I feel this joy but then it dies Why doesn't anybody realise We're on the edge of paradise? We're on the edge of paradise I've been staring at screens, my eyes are aching Losing my faith in this world we're making Listening to my father screaming Laid on the bathroom floor just dreaming of a time Of a time we will look back On all of this and laugh And slowly piece together all the bits of broken glass Why do I always want the things that I can't have? It's so sad It's so sad

Composer: Tom Odell, Laurie Blundell

In-depth Analysis of 'Why Do I Always Want The Things That I Can't Have' by LyricLens AI

Tom Odell's "Why Do I Always Want The Things That I Can't Have" is a poignant exploration of insatiable longing and the human tendency to desire the unattainable. The song immediately sets a melancholic tone, painting a picture of a narrator adrift, searching for solace and meaning in the wrong places, from fleeting encounters to self-destructive vices.

Central Themes Explored:

Unattainable Desire: The core of the track lies in the repeated rhetorical question, highlighting a profound frustration with a desire for what is just out of reach, be it love, peace, or understanding.
Urban Loneliness & Coping: The lyrics vividly describe a solitary existence in a bustling city, using imagery of late nights, aching feet, and failed attempts to numb pain, underscoring a deep sense of isolation and a desperate search for connection.
Disillusionment and Fleeting Hope: Despite the overwhelming sadness, there's a delicate thread of hope, an "edge of paradise" that feels within reach yet perpetually eludes. The struggle with faith and the dream of a future where past pains can be laughed off offer a glimpse of resilience amidst despair.

Ultimately, Odell crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who has grappled with the bittersweet ache of wanting more than what life seems willing to offer, wrapping these complex emotions in his signature raw and expressive style.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Why Do I Always Want The Things That I Can't Have'

What is the main message of Tom Odell's song?

The song primarily conveys the universal human struggle of desiring what is unattainable, exploring feelings of longing, dissatisfaction, and the melancholic pursuit of happiness in a world that often feels indifferent.

What does the line "We're on the edge of paradise?" signify?

This line suggests a moment of profound realization or potential for peace, juxtaposed with the narrator's current struggles. It implies that true contentment or happiness is tantalizingly close, yet a disconnect (perhaps internal or external) prevents its full embrace.

What kind of emotions does the song evoke?

The song evokes strong feelings of sadness, yearning, loneliness, and a sense of existential despair, but also a fragile hope for connection and a better future, making it a deeply reflective and emotional piece.

Fun Facts:

This track is from Tom Odell's album 'A Wonderful Life', expected in 2025.
Tom Odell is renowned for his heartfelt, piano-driven ballads that often delve into themes of love, loss, and mental health.