Anything We Want

Fiona Apple's song "Anything We Want" is a poetic exploration of intimacy, freedom, and the boundless possibilities that love can bring. The lyrics paint vivid, almost surreal images that capture moments of longing and connection. The opening lines, where the narrator describes her cheeks reflecting the longest wavelength and her fan grazing her forehead, set a dreamy, almost ethereal tone. These images are not just about physical sensations but also about guiding the lover's attention to places of vulnerability and desire, symbolized by the neck and scars. The scars reflecting the mist in the headlights and the neon zebra shaking rain off her stripes are metaphors for the beauty found in imperfection and the allure of the raw, unfiltered self.

The recurring line, "And then we can do anything we want," serves as a mantra of liberation. It suggests that once the lovers find time alone, they can break free from societal constraints and expectations. This theme of freedom is further emphasized in the lines about starting out sipping water and then trying to swallow the wave, a metaphor for the escalating intensity of their relationship and their determination to not let external pressures bring them down. The mention of getting brave when faced with challenges highlights the resilience and strength that love can inspire.

The playful imagery of pretending to be eight years old and playing hookey, drawing on walls, and playing UFC rookie, juxtaposed with the more adult themes of intimacy, underscores the idea that love allows us to reclaim our childlike sense of wonder and creativity. The song ultimately celebrates the transformative power of love and imagination, suggesting that in the safe space created by mutual affection and understanding, we can truly be ourselves and achieve anything we desire.