Lyric discussion by The Spyder 

Cover art for The Way You Want It lyrics by Keane

Beautiful song, because it's about people's conscience.

Even though you might be in a different place, doing different things and living a totally different life, you can't escape what you've done wrong in the past if don't face up to it and take full responsibility. The person might think they've steered clear of their previous mistakes by running away, but thoughts come back to haunt them and they begin to miss the good things, such as her love. So what does this life of 'horrid feelings' compare to the once-happy memories which he now yearns for?

As unhappy as he is, he feels that he deserves it, because he hasn't really escaped from the past at all, no matter how he tries. And he knows that she knows, which means life now is even more wretched. He almost welcomes his depressive thoughts because trying not to think about it will drive him crazier.