Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
Deftones
A Plea for Change: Deftones' Yearning in 'Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want'
Deftones' cover of 'Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want' originally by The Smiths, is a poignant expression of yearning and desire for a change in fortune. The lyrics convey a sense of weariness from enduring a life filled with challenges that have the potential to corrupt even the best of men. The repetition of 'good times for a change' suggests a history of hardship and the longing for a break from this cycle of adversity.
The plea to 'let me get what I want' is a powerful and vulnerable request, directed towards an unspecified 'Lord,' which could be interpreted as a call to a higher power, fate, or life itself. The singer emphasizes the rarity of such a request being granted by stating it would be 'the first time,' highlighting a life often devoid of fulfilled desires. The song's melancholic tone is underscored by the admission of not having dreamed in a long time, which speaks to a loss of hope and aspiration due to the relentless nature of the singer's struggles.
Deftones' rendition of the song adds a layer of their signature sound, which often explores themes of longing, despair, and the search for meaning. Their musical style, characterized by a blend of alternative metal and experimental rock, brings a unique intensity to the song's emotional plea. The cover maintains the original's simplicity and raw emotion, while infusing it with a heavier, more atmospheric quality that complements the yearning expressed in the lyrics.