Meaning of Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths

The Smiths' song "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" is a touching and melancholic exploration of longing and desperation. The overall theme of the song revolves around a deep yearning for something unattainable, a cry for assistance or a momentary respite from the struggles of life. Through the repetition of the phrase "Please, please, please let me get what I want," the song captures the raw emotions of vulnerability and desire.One standout lyric from the song is, "Good times for a change, see the luck I've had can make a good man turn bad." This line introduces the idea that even positive experiences can have a negative impact, particularly when they exacerbate the contrast between what one desires and what they currently have. It highlights the theme of discontentment and the potential for success or fortune to become a source of torment. This theme speaks to the experience of many who may find that their achievements or good fortune don't quite bring the fulfillment they had hoped for.Another poignant lyric in the song is, "Haven't had a dream in a long time, see the life I've had can make a good man bad." This line explores the notion that a lack of dreams and aspirations can have a detrimental effect on an individual's well-being. It delves into the idea that without hope or goals to strive for, one's spirit can be drained, leading to a sense of disillusionment and even moral decline. This theme resonates with the struggles of individuals feeling stuck or trapped in monotonous routines, desperately yearning for something more.The line, "So, for once in my life, let me get what I want, Lord knows it would be the first time," highlights a plea for understanding and empathy. It suggests a desire for someone, possibly a higher power, to recognize the magnitude of their longing and to grant them a reprieve from their unfulfilled desires. It touches on the universal yearning for validation and compassion, emphasizing the vulnerability and earnestness of the individual's request.Delving deeper into the themes of the song, one could interpret it as a reflection on the nature of desire itself. It explores the paradoxical nature of our wishes, how they can bring both joy and sorrow, and how the pursuit of those desires can shape our lives. The song suggests that our desires are not always within our control, leading to a sense of powerlessness and the need to rely on outside forces, as expressed through the repeated plea for assistance.Additionally, the song touches on the fleeting nature of happiness and the difficulty of sustaining contentment. It suggests that even if the individual were to achieve their desired outcome, it may only bring temporary relief, as evidenced by the repeating plea for the same wish to be granted "this time." The song captures the bittersweet realization that even if we were to get what we want, it may not provide the lasting fulfillment we seek.In conclusion, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" is a profoundly introspective song that explores the deep longings and vulnerabilities hidden within the human psyche. Through its poignant lyrics, it navigates themes of discontentment, the impact of success on one's well-being, the crucial role of dreams in fueling our spirits, the universal longing for understanding, and the complex nature of desire. The song evokes empathy, reflecting the universal struggles and desires that unite us all.