Released: 2024
This song by The Red Clay Strays, ‘Wanna Be Loved,’ is a heartfelt cry for validation and love. The singer is wrestling with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. It’s a raw and honest plea for assurance and belonging, deeply rooted in the universal human experience of wanting to feel valued.
The song starts by highlighting a common pursuit: ‘Everybody’s waiting for a break / Like fast cars and freedom.’ It’s about chasing dreams and desires, the typical ‘American Dream.’ However, the singer questions the worth of these pursuits, asking, ‘what will it bring?’
The chorus reveals the core of the singer’s struggle: ‘Oh, God, I need to know You’re still above / I just wanna be loved.’ It’s a direct plea to a higher power, asking for reassurance of worth and love. The repetition of ‘I just wanna be loved’ emphasizes the depth of this longing.
In the second verse, the singer contemplates faith and perseverance: ‘They say that faith can move a mountain / But I’m built for the climb.’ Here, the struggle is not just about faith but also about resilience. The singer is seeking validation in their efforts and faithfulness.
The bridge touches on fear and loneliness: ‘I’ve been afraid / And I’ve been alone / Sometimes I need someone to pick up the phone.’ This part highlights the need for connection and support. It’s a vulnerable admission of the singer’s emotional state, adding depth to their plea for love and belonging.
Towards the end, the desire for mutual need and care is expressed: ‘And I want someone to want me / I want somebody there / And I need someone to need me / I need someone who cares.’ This encapsulates the essence of the song – a yearning for reciprocal love and support.
