I Wish Lyrics

[Intro: Liam]
Na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na


[Verse 1: Zayn, Liam]
He takes your hand, I die a little
I watch your eyes and I'm in riddles
Why can't you look at me like that? (Na-na-na-na-na)
When you walk by, I try to say it
But then I freeze and never do it
My tongue gets tied, the words get trapped


[Pre-Chorus: Harry]
I hear the beat of my heart getting louder
Whenever I'm near you

[Chorus: All, Zayn]
But I see you, with him, slow dancin'
Tearing me apart 'cause you don't see
Whenever you kiss him, I'm breakin'
Oh, how I wish that was me

[Interlude: Liam]
Na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na

[Verse 2: Harry & Niall, Harry]
He looks at you the way that I would
Does all the things I know that I could
If only time could just turn back

[Pre-Chorus: Harry & Zayn]
'Cause I got three little words
That I've always been dying to tell you


[Chorus: All, Harry]
But I see you, with him, slow dancin'
Tearing me apart 'cause you don't see
Whenever you kiss him, I'm breakin'
Oh, how I wish that was me

[Bridge: Harry, Harry & Zayn]
With my hands on your waist
While we dance in the moonlight

I wish it was me that you'll call later on
'Cause you wanna say goodnight


[Breakdown: Liam & Zayn]
'Cause I see you, with him, slow dancing
Tearing me apart 'cause you don't see

[Chorus: All, Harry, Zayn]
But I see you, with him, slow dancin'
Tearing me apart 'cause you don't see
Whenever you kiss him, I'm breakin'
Oh, how I wish, oh, how I wish
Oh, how I wish that was me
[Outro: Zayn]
Oh, how I wish that was me

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About

Genius Annotation

“I Wish” is the sixth track from One Direction’s successful debut, Up All Night. Featuring tender “na na na’s” (unlike the ones in “What Makes You Beautiful”), it tells a story of unrequited love.

Billboard’s Jason Liphutz compared this song to Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”:

Another mid-tempo ode to jealousy in the face of ‘the other man.’ Reminiscent in lyrical tone to Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own,” but even more forlorn.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

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