Meaning of For Wanting You by Elton John

Elton John's song "For Wanting You" delves deep into the complexities of desire, love, and the sacrifices we make for them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship filled with lies, pain, and a constant longing for the other person. The overarching theme of the song revolves around the intense desire for someone, and the sacrifices and consequences that come with it.One standout lyric that stands out is "If time becomes a judge, if my body holds a grudge, it's just because I needed sanctuary." This lyric conveys the idea that in the pursuit of love, we sometimes lose ourselves and seek solace and refuge in the arms of another person. It suggests that the desire for sanctuary and comfort can cloud our judgment and lead us to make choices that may have negative repercussions in the long run.Another powerful line in the song is "Your skin under my nails, my curiosity that failed, to save myself for something that I need." This lyric explores the idea of curiosity and how it can lead us astray. It suggests that the yearning to explore the unknown and experience something new can overshadow our better judgment, causing us to ignore our own needs and desires in favor of someone else's.The line, "I don't wanna bleed, or bruise up black and blue, do I deserve these things all for wanting you?" speaks to the theme of sacrifice and self-worth. It brings up the question of how much we are willing to endure in the pursuit of love and whether it's worth the pain and suffering we may experience along the way. It also touches on the issue of self-worth and whether we believe we deserve the hardships we face simply because we desire someone.Moving on, the lyric "Like some virgin with her cloth, I play the goddess coming through, now I play the parting slave all for wanting you" delves into the idea of roles in relationships. It suggests that in order to fulfill our desires, we often adopt different personas and play specific roles. In this case, the narrator shifts from being a virgin to a goddess to a parting slave, showcasing the various masks we wear in our pursuit of love and the sacrifices we make to appease the object of our desire.Finally, the line "We do things 'cause we must, the law of love and lust, comes together just like oil on flame" explores the powerful force that love and lust can exert on our lives. It suggests that these emotions can ignite and consume us, similar to how oil fuels a flame. The law of love and lust becomes an irresistible force, driving us to do things that may seem out of character or against our better judgment.Overall, "For Wanting You" delves into the intricate nature of desire and love. It underscores the sacrifices we make, the roles we assume, and the consequences we face in the pursuit of someone we intensely desire. Through thought-provoking lyrics, Elton John explores unexpected themes such as curiosity, self-worth, and the different masks we wear, all of which contribute to the complex tapestry of our desires.