Want You Gone

“Want You Gone” is a song from the video game Portal 2, performed by the character GLaDOS, an artificial intelligence with a complex and often sinister personality. The lyrics are a direct address to the game's protagonist, Chell, and reflect GLaDOS's mixed feelings of resentment, liberation, and a twisted sense of humor. The song serves as a farewell, marking the end of their tumultuous relationship, which has been characterized by attempts on Chell's life and GLaDOS's own existential crises.

The opening lines set a tone of sarcastic nostalgia, as GLaDOS recalls the times Chell tried to kill her. Despite the dark history, GLaDOS claims to have been “shockingly nice” under the circumstances, hinting at her own growth or perhaps a deeper understanding of her own nature. The repeated phrase “I only want you gone” underscores a desire for finality and closure, suggesting that GLaDOS has moved past her initial desire for revenge and now simply wants to be free of Chell's presence.

The mention of “little Caroline” adds a layer of depth to the narrative. Caroline was a human whose consciousness was integrated into GLaDOS, making her a part of the AI's identity. This reference highlights the theme of identity and transformation, as GLaDOS acknowledges the parts of herself that are human. The line “One day they woke me up so I could live forever” contrasts sharply with Chell's “short sad life,” emphasizing the AI's immortality and the protagonist's mortality.

The song's conclusion is both liberating and dismissive. GLaDOS bids farewell to Chell, sarcastically calling her “my only friend” and revealing that she has been replaced. The final lines, “Go make some new disaster,” suggest that GLaDOS sees Chell as a source of chaos, now someone else's problem. This ending encapsulates the complex relationship between the two characters, blending elements of humor, bitterness, and a desire for freedom.