Wanted

Track 10 on Human (Italian CD Deluxe Edition)

Producers

This song has a colorful history: Ryan Tedder first started singing it live in the summer of 2018, with lyrics slightly different from the final version. OneRepublic waited… Read More

Sep. 6, 20191 viewer113K views

Wanted Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She said, "Every time I close my eyes I feel like I could disappear
I could overflow an ocean with the cavalcade of all my tears
And I know I sound dramatic, but that's just how it feels"
She said, "I'm holdin' to the notion that I'll find something real"

[Chorus]
Yeah, I just want to be wanted, oh
I could use a little love sometimes
I just need to be needed, oh
Like to know I'm crossin' someone's mind
I just want to be someone that somebody needs
I just want to be more than a drop in the sea
I just want to be

[Verse 2]
She said, "I'm countin' up my karma and I think it's time to cash it in (Cash it in)
So tired of livin' in a shadow of a mountain of what might've been (Might've been)
And I know I sound dramatic, but that's just how it feels
I've been looking for somebody to tell me that I'm real"

[Chorus]
I just want to be wanted (Oh)
I could use a little love sometimes
I just need to be needed (Oh)
Like to know I'm crossin' someone's mind
I just want to be someone that somebody needs
I just want to be more than a drop in the sea

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[Bridge]
I just want to be wanted
Oh yeah
We just want to be wanted
Ooh

[Outro]
I just want to be wanted
I could use a little love sometimes
I just need to be needed
Like to know I'm crossin' someone's mind

Embed

About

This song has a colorful history: Ryan Tedder first started singing it live in the summer of 2018, with lyrics slightly different from the final version. OneRepublic waited over a year before they actually released “Wanted”, teasing it by filming several different recording sessions and live performances with it on the Netflix behind the scenes music show Once In a Lifetime Sessions.

Lyrically, it follows the theme of the entire album, exploring the universal human need for meaningful companionship and bonding.

Q&A

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

What did OneRepublic say about "Wanted"?

When Ryan Tedder called into On Air with Ryan Seacrest, the lady co-host thanked him for writing a song that’s so amazingly beautiful. “I’ve never felt more seen or heard in my life.” And Tedder responded:

That was the idea. That was a fast little, ten minute stream of consciousness lyrics that felt like it fell from the sky. I’m happy that it’s connecting with you.

Is there a behind-the-scenes video?

Yes!