I Only Wanted

Mariah Carey's 'I Only Wanted' delves into the ephemeral nature of love and the pain of abandonment. The song opens with a poignant question about the permanence of love, asking why it always seems to fade away. This sets the tone for a narrative filled with longing and disillusionment. Carey expresses a deep desire for love to be something tangible and real, rather than a fleeting emotion that leaves her feeling abandoned. The term 'fairweather friend' suggests a relationship that only exists in good times, further emphasizing the theme of abandonment that haunts her.

The chorus reveals Carey's yearning for stability and sincerity in her relationships. She laments her own naivety in romanticizing the idea that someone could save her life, highlighting her vulnerability and the emotional risks she took. The repetition of 'I only wanted you to stay' underscores her simple yet profound desire for consistency and genuine connection. This longing is contrasted with the reality of her experiences, where words and promises were not upheld, leaving her feeling betrayed and alone.

In the second verse, Carey reflects on her own actions, admitting that she was caught in a 'masquerade' and wished she had remained guarded. The imagery of embers scattering in the wind and the chill settling in evokes a sense of loss and coldness, symbolizing the end of a passionate but ultimately unfulfilling relationship. The guitar solo that follows adds an emotional depth, allowing the listener to feel the weight of her sorrow. The song concludes with a reiteration of her desire for the person to stay, a final plea that encapsulates the heartache and yearning that permeates the entire track.