The Meaning Behind The Song: Please – Please – Please – Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths
Title: The Heartbreaking Plea Behind The Smiths’ “Please – Please – Please – Let Me Get What I Want”
Table of Contents
The Background
The Smiths’ “Please- Please- Please- Let Me Get What I Want” is one of the band’s most recognizable and beloved tracks. The song, which was released in 1984, features the distinctive vocals of Morrissey, backed by Johnny Marr’s jangling guitar melodies. Though the song was never a commercial hit, it has endured as a beloved classic for fans of the band and music enthusiasts alike.
The Lyrics
The song’s lyrics are deceptively simple, revolving around a single request: “Please, please, please, let me get what I want this time.” Morrissey’s plaintive vocals emphasize the desperate tone of the song, as he repeats the request several times throughout the track.
When considered more closely, however, the lyrics reveal a deeper sense of longing and heartbreak. The second verse reads:
“Good times for a change
See, the luck I’ve had
Can make a good man
Turn bad”
Here, Morrissey seems to be acknowledging the difficulties he has faced in his life and pleading for a change in his fortunes. The chorus, with its repetition of the central plea, intensifies this sense of desperation and longing.
The Meaning
At its core, “Please- Please- Please- Let Me Get What I Want” is a song about the universal desire for happiness and fulfillment. Morrissey’s lyrics express a longing for something more–whether it be love, success, or a sense of purpose–and a deep-seated fear that he may never achieve it.
The song resonates because this is a feeling that all of us can relate to at some point in our lives. No matter how successful or happy we may appear on the surface, there are always moments of doubt and uncertainty where we can’t help but wonder: “Is this it? Is this all there is?”
The Legacy
“Please- Please- Please- Let Me Get What I Want” has had a lasting impact in popular culture. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Decemberists, Muse, and She & Him.
In addition to its musical legacy, the song has also been used in TV shows, movies, and commercials, cementing its place as a beloved cultural touchstone. The song was featured prominently in the 2004 film “500 Days of Summer,” where it plays during a particularly poignant scene where the main character confronts his own sense of disappointment and disillusionment. The song’s inclusion in this scene underscores its enduring relevance, even decades after its initial release.
The Takeaway
“Please- Please- Please- Let Me Get What I Want” is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of longing and hoping for something more. Its simple yet evocative lyrics and melody have resonated with listeners for decades, making it a true classic of the pop canon.
Ultimately, the song serves as a reminder that we are all searching for something, and that we are all hoping to find it. It’s a song that’s sad, but also hopeful–a message that remains just as relevant today as it did when it was first released.
