I Desire
by Devo

Album: Oh, No! It's Devo (1982)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song took most of its lyrics from a poem by John Hinckley, Jr. Hinckley attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, believing that this would finally impress the actress Jodie Foster, whom Hinckley was obsessed with. The narrator pledges his devotion but admits the object of his desire would be wise to walk away, "for nothing is more dangerous than desire when it's wrong."

    Hinckley's writing was so integral to the song's lyrics that he is listed as a co-writer for the song, alongside usual Devo songwriters Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh. Says Mothersbaugh: "We used [the poem] for the lyrics and turned it into a love song. It was not the best career move you could make. We had the FBI calling up and threatening us."
  • Shortly after the album was released, Hinckley wrote a letter to Dallas radio station KZEW and requested they play the song 58 times a day.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Who Did It First?

Who Did It First?Music Quiz

Do you know who recorded the original versions of these ten hit songs?

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa CarltonSongwriter Interviews

The "A Thousand Miles" singer on what she thinks of her song being used in White Chicks and how she captured a song from a dream.

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.