Introduction

“You Want It All But You Can’t Have It” is a song by the American rock band Faith No More. It was released in 1989 as the second single from their album “The Real Thing”. The song’s lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on consumerism and the desire for material possessions. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the song’s lyrics.

Verse 1

It’s a twisted game, I never thought it’d be the same
Nothing is what you see, it’s not reality
It’s all just a game, played out for no gain
But you still play, and you never complain

The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The narrator describes a “twisted game” that is not what it seems. Despite this, the narrator acknowledges that people still play the game, even though there is no real gain.

Chorus

You want it all but you can’t have it
It’s in your face but you can’t grab it
What is it?
It’s it

The chorus of the song is perhaps the most memorable part of the lyrics. The repetition of the phrase “You want it all but you can’t have it” emphasizes the theme of desire and unattainability. The line “It’s in your face but you can’t grab it” suggests that the object of desire is tantalizingly close, but ultimately out of reach.

Verse 2

It’s a thin line between the law and the truth
It’s a thin line between love and abuse
It’s a thin line between facts and fiction
Between reality and contradiction

The second verse of the song explores the idea of thin lines between different concepts. The narrator suggests that there is a fine line between the law and the truth, love and abuse, and facts and fiction. This reinforces the idea that things are not always what they seem.

Chorus

You want it all but you can’t have it
It’s in your face but you can’t grab it
What is it?
It’s it

The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the theme of desire and unattainability.

Bridge

It’s all in your head
It’s all in my head
It’s all in your head
It’s all in my head

The bridge of the song suggests that the desire for material possessions is all in the mind. This reinforces the idea that the object of desire is not real, but rather a construct of the mind.

Chorus

You want it all but you can’t have it
It’s in your face but you can’t grab it
What is it?
It’s it

The chorus is repeated once more, bringing the song to a close.

Conclusion

“You Want It All But You Can’t Have It” is a song that explores the theme of desire and unattainability. The lyrics suggest that the object of desire is not real, but rather a construct of the mind. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the theme of desire and unattainability, while the verses explore the idea of things not being what they seem. Overall, the song is a commentary on consumerism and the desire for material possessions.