All I Wanted

Album: Brand New Eyes (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frontwoman and lyricist Hayley Williams said on the deluxe version of the album that this stripped-down closing track was written about her boyfriend, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert. She said Gilbert was leaving to tour for the first time since they started their relationship, and as a consequence all sorts of insecurities were bubbling to the surface.
  • Hayley Williams told Alternative Press: "I wish there was an actual story for this song. The whole time we were writing and rehearsing at home, I was in this state where I wouldn't come out or go out unless it was to write with the guys. I spent so much time alone in my apartment that I think it started to mess with me and just make me really sad. One day, I went to practice and Taylor [York, rhythm guitar] was playing this song. It was another one of his. It hit me and I just started writing whatever came to mind. 'All I Wanted' almost didn't make the record. I can't remember why we didn't think it would work. We would've been pissed right now if it wasn't there."
  • Paramore fans had to wait a long time before they heard "All I Wanted" live. It wasn't until the band opened their headline set at the When We Were Young Festival on October 24, 2022 that they gave the song its live debut.

Comments: 5

  • Ewan from Wagga Wagga, AustraliaAshli from Chicago, I HAVE actually cried while listening to All I Wanted... As loudly as my speakers & ears can handle
  • Josh from Athens, OhAmazing vocal work in this song. Simply amazing.
  • Trever from N. Syracuse, Nyso glad it made the record! this is the best song on the album. its the best closer to an album! no one can deny that. great work :)
  • Alyssa from Geneva, Ohi love paramore this is my favorite song from brand new eyes
  • Ashli from Chicago, Ili love paramore, and this song is just AMAZING. i almost want to cry when i listen to it..lol.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Michael Schenker

Michael SchenkerSongwriter Interviews

The Scorpions and UFO guitarist is also a very prolific songwriter - he explains how he writes with his various groups, and why he was so keen to get out of Germany and into England.

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

Lip-Synch Rebels

Lip-Synch RebelsSong Writing

What happens when Kurt Cobain, Iron Maiden and Johnny Lydon are told to lip-synch? Some hilarious "performances."