Bob Dylan – What Was It You Wanted

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What was it you wanted?
Tell me again so I'll know.
What's happening in there,
What's going on in your show.
What was it you wanted,
Could you say it again?
I'll be back in a minute
You can get it together by then.

What was it you wanted
You can tell me, I'm back,
We can start it all over
Get it back on the track,
You got my attention,
Go ahead, speak.
What was it you wanted
When you were kissing my cheek?

Was there somebody looking
When you give me that kiss
Someone there in the shadows
Someone that I might have missed?
Is there something you needed,
Something I don't understand.
What was it you wanted,
Do I have it here in my hand?

Whatever you wanted
Slipped out of my mind,
Would you remind me again
If you'd be so kind.
Has the record been breaking,
Did the needle just skip,
Is there somebody waitin',
Was there a slip of the lip?

What was it you wanted
I ain't keepin' score
Are you the same person
That was here before?
Is it something important?
Maybe not.
What was it you wanted?
Tell me again I forgot.

Whatever you wanted
What could it be
Did somebody tell you
That you could get it from me,
Is it something that comes natural
Is it easy to say,
Why do you want it,
Who are you anyway?

Is the scenery changing,
Am I getting it wrong,
Is the whole thing going backwards,
Are they playing our song?
Where were you when it started
Do you want it for free
What was it you wanted
Are you talking to me?

Send "What Was It You Wanted" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by roger wilco, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Track duration: 05:03


What Was It You Wanted song meanings
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5 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I think in a way this song is a discussion between the artist and his audience with both sides asking questions and answering with questions. Consider Dylan's status at the time in 1989 after a unsuccessful decade(for him). He talks of his "show" and "record been breaking". Perhaps the whole theme is the artist questioning himself and his ability. This would also tie into his book Chronicles and his discussion of the making of this record.
    Flag Lutheron December 14, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Judas deceived Jesus with a kiss. The lyrics fit perfectly for that scenario.
    Flag frankbooth7on March 03, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:When I listen to this song, I think of a Hollywood party, where Bob is the center of attention. Some woman is trying to schmooze with Bob, and he can see her insincerity - see right through her. She's the kind of person who wants to be seen in all the right places with all the right people.
    Flag tierneyon September 28, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I'm not a bible person but were judas and hey zeus making out? (take that evangelicals) but seriously the singer is a bit frustrated with a woman whom he maybe wanted a relationship with but she was too ditsy to make up her mind about it and act on it. "did you wan't something from me or not". great song, especially if you've been in that position.
    Flag fanoftheelipsison May 07, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:My two bits: When I first heard this song, I thought it was a song sung from the perspective of Jesus talking to Judas, but I figured I was the only one that heard that. Since then I've found that this is a pretty common interpretation. Rats. I thought I finally had an original thought.

    I've heard people say that "Make You Feel My Love" is also sung from Jesus' perspective. They have a point, but the lyrics to this song are even more convincing.
    Flag coldironson March 23, 2007   Link

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