I Want To Be Loved
Muddy Waters
The Yearning Heart of Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters' song "I Want To Be Loved" is a heartfelt expression of longing and unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man deeply infatuated with a woman whose every action, from her voice to her touch, ignites a passionate fire within him. Despite his intense feelings and admiration for her, he finds himself in a frustrating situation where his affections are not fully reciprocated. This emotional turmoil is encapsulated in the repeated plea, "I want's to be loved," highlighting his desire for a deeper, more meaningful connection with the object of his affection.
The song's narrative delves into the complexities of love and desire. The protagonist cherishes every moment and gesture from the woman, yet he is met with indifference or neglect. This is evident in lines like, "Every time I ask ya, for a date, you don't come at all or your, oh so late," and "I ask you to dance a, little spin, you said wait a minute daddy, here come my friend." These instances of rejection and delay amplify his sense of longing and the pain of unfulfilled love.
Muddy Waters, a pivotal figure in the blues genre, uses his soulful voice and emotive delivery to convey the raw emotions of the song. The blues, often characterized by themes of heartache and longing, serves as the perfect backdrop for this narrative. The song's simplicity in structure and repetition of the central theme of wanting to be loved makes it relatable and poignant. It speaks to the universal human experience of yearning for love and the heartache that comes with unrequited feelings.