Released: 2020Olivia Rodrigo’s “All I Want”, is a soulful dive into the trials of finding genuine love amidst disappointment and self-doubt. It’s about a girl facing the harsh truths of dating, where appearances deceive and promises fall flat, leading to a journey of self-acceptance.
The song kicks off talking about a guy who seemed perfect, treating her like a star, but it turns out, his words didn’t match his actions. He was “perfect on paper” signaling that while everything seemed right, the reality was far from it. This introduction sets the tone for a narrative of disillusionment with the idea of a knight in shining armor coming to save her. Olivia questions whether wanting to be saved makes her the type of girl that’s seen as weak or traditional in the eyes of love.
Then, Olivia brings up another boy from her past, hinting at a cycle of hope and heartbreak. This past love felt real, but fizzled out because whenever she got close to figuring out the relationship, he would pull away. It’s a classic case of wanting what you can’t have, and the frustration of feeling like love is a game of tug-of-war. The line “And I won’t fight for love if you won’t meet me halfway” speaks volumes about her desire for equal effort in a relationship.
The chorus is a raw plea for a lasting love, questioning if her desires are too ambitious or if there’s something lacking in her. It’s relatable for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re asking for too much, simply for wanting someone who genuinely cares. The simplicity of wanting a “good guy” and the fear that perhaps her expectations are what’s keeping her from finding love, echo the insecurities that come with continuous disappointment.
Olivia reflects on her younger self, full of hope for a fairy-tale ending, contrasting it with her current disillusionment. The phrase “now happy ever after, it don’t come so easily” is a nod to the Disney influence and the reality check that real-life love is more complicated than stories make it seem. It shines a light on growing up and realizing that love is not as straightforward as finding “the one” who checks all the boxes.
In the end, the song circles back to self-acceptance. Despite the longing for love, Olivia concludes that being okay with oneself should be enough. The message that at the end of the day, what’s truly important is finding peace within yourself, is a powerful reminder of self-worth beyond romantic relationships. “All I Want” is not just a song about seeking love but a journey towards self-discovery and finding contentment in being alone.
Overall, “All I Want” captures the essence of modern love and the quest for self-love. Through Olivia Rodrigo’s emotive delivery and introspective lyrics, listeners are taken on a journey of heartache, hope, and the realization that sometimes, all you need is yourself. It’s a beautifully crafted piece that resonates with anyone who’s ever searched for love, only to find that the most important love is the love you give yourself.
