What was it you wanted
Tell me again so I'll know
What's happening in there
What's going on in your show
What was it you wanted
Could you say it again
I'll be back in a minute
You can get it together by then

What was it you wanted
You can tell me I'm back
We can start it all over
Get it back on the track
You got why attention
Go ahead speak
What was it you wanted
When you were kissing my cheek

Was there somebody looking
When you gave me that kiss
Someone there in the shadows
Someone that I might have missed
Is there something you needed
Something I don't understand
What was it you wanted
Do I have it in my hand

Whatever you wanted
Slipped out of my mind
Would you remind me again
If you'd be so kind
Has the record been breaking
Did the needle just skip
Is there somebody waitin'
Was there a slip of the lip

What was it you wanted
I ain't keepin' score
Are you the same person
That was here before
Is it something important
Maybe not
What was it you wanted
Tell me again I forgot

Whatever you wanted
What can it be
Did somebody tell you
That you could get it from me
Is it something that comes natural
Is it easy to say
Why do you want it
Who are you anyway

Is the scenery changing
Am I getting it wrong
Is the whole thing going backwards
Are they playing our song
Where were you when it started
Do you want it for free
What was it you wanted
Are you talking to me


Lyrics submitted by roger wilco, edited by Mellow_Harsher

What Was It You Wanted Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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What Was It You Wanted song meanings
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  • 0
    General Comment

    My two bits: When I first heard this song, I thought it was a song sung from the perspective of Jesus talking to Judas, but I figured I was the only one that heard that. Since then I've found that this is a pretty common interpretation. Rats. I thought I finally had an original thought.

    I've heard people say that "Make You Feel My Love" is also sung from Jesus' perspective. They have a point, but the lyrics to this song are even more convincing.

    coldironson March 23, 2007   Link

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