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

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New York

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New YorkSong Writing

Our chat with Barney Hoskyns, who covers the wild years of Woodstock - the town, not the festival - in his book Small Town Talk.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Director Wes Edwards ("Drunk on a Plane")

Director Wes Edwards ("Drunk on a Plane")Song Writing

Wes Edwards takes us behind the scenes of videos he shot for Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley and Chase Bryant. The train was real - the airplane was not.

Pete Anderson

Pete AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Pete produced Dwight Yoakam, Michelle Shocked, Meat Puppets, and a very memorable track for Roy Orbison.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.