Joji’s “WANTED U” is a haunting emotional journey that digs deep into the complexities of desire and vulnerability. The song revolves around the artist’s struggle with wanting someone despite the obstacles, both internal and external, that stand in the way. It’s about the torturous path of realizing what you want but feeling trapped by your own limitations and past. Joji seems to touch on themes of loneliness, commitment, and emotional scars, all while asking for patience from the object of his affection.
Hungry for more? Dive in as we break down the lyrics to unveil Joji’s artistic psyche and find out why this song resonates with so many.
“WANTED U” Lyrics Meaning
Joji starts off with a vivid image: “Here I am, torn into a thousand shapes and folds.” It’s a line that immediately captures the emotional chaos he’s experiencing. The turmoil isn’t just limited to his emotions; it extends to his actions as suggested by “Fornicate inside your broken homes.” Here, broken homes could symbolize flawed relationships or the vulnerabilities that he and his love interest share.
The lyric “Before I throw a smile your way, no more” reveals the facade Joji often puts on. He’s tired of pretending, and this struggle is emphasized by the line, “I can’t tell if all my answers correlate at all.” Joji is questioning his own actions and thoughts, unsure if they’re aligned with his true feelings or just a show for the world.
“I’ve been waiting my whole life to know I wanted you” is a pivotal line. It speaks to the moment of clarity amidst the confusion, the realization that what he’s seeking is a connection with this specific person. However, the waiting implies that either he didn’t recognize this need or he was too caught up in his own issues to act on it.
Joji’s openness is evident in “Are you feeling me slowly? You can take your fucking time / And I promise I won’t lie, we’ll make it out alive.” He is patient and willing to go at whatever pace his partner needs, validating the intensity of their connection.
Toward the end, we encounter “So punish me, I’m hanging on your noose / So pull me up so I can breathe with you.” Here, the “noose” symbolizes the entanglements of love and the potential consequences of emotional vulnerability. But he’s willing to risk it, as long as they’re in it together.
The Story Behind “WANTED U”
When Joji penned this song, he was in a state of emotional transition. Previously known for his comedic work online, his venture into serious music showcased the depths of his emotional palette. “WANTED U” came at a time when he was grappling with love, self-discovery, and a shift in his career trajectory.
In interviews, Joji has mentioned the influence of his personal experiences on his music. The raw emotion packed into the lyrics of “WANTED U” likely mirrors his own struggles with vulnerability and openness. The song serves as a kind of confessional booth, where Joji airs his anxieties and aspirations.
What’s also noteworthy is the layered production of the song, which adds another dimension to the emotional narrative. The haunting melodies and moody beats reflect the state of mind Joji was in—a tumultuous sea of emotions, hopes, and fears.
In essence, “WANTED U” encapsulates the ups and downs of love, the joys and agonies of realizing what you want, and the complexities of human emotion that make life as thrilling as it is confusing.