What I Thought I Wanted
Sara Groves · Other Side of Something [2004]
Two days from the altar she went and called the whole thing off
What he thought he wanted, what he got instead
Leaves him broken and grateful
I passed understanding a long, long time ago
And the simple home of systems and answers we all know
What I thought I wanted, what I got instead
Leaves me broken and somehow peaceful
I keep wanting you to be fair
But that's not what you said
I want certain answers to these prayers
But that's not what you said
When I get to heaven I'm gonna go find Job
I want to ask a few hard questions, I want to know what he knows
About what it is he wanted and what he got instead
How to be broken and faithful
What I thought I wanted
What I thought I wanted
What I thought I wanted
What I thought I wanted
Staring in the water like Esops foolish dog
I can't help but reflect on what it was I almost lost
What it was I wanted, what I got instead
Leaves me broken and grateful
I'm broken and grateful
I want to be broken and grateful
I want to be broken, peaceful, faithful, grateful, grateful
I want to be broken, peaceful, faithful, grateful, grateful
What I Thought I Wanted
Sara Groves' 'What I Thought I Wanted' stands as a poignant centerpiece on her 2004 album, Other Side of Something. Recorded during a period of significant artistic evolution, the track exemplifies Groves' signature ability to blend acoustic intimacy with rich, layered production. The song reflects her deep engagement with themes of spiritual longing and the complexities of faith, delivered through a voice that has become synonymous with contemporary Christian music. Released alongside works like 'Conversations' and 'O Holy Night', this recording showcases her commitment to crafting narratives that resonate with listeners seeking both musical beauty and theological depth. The track remains a defining example of her mid-2000s output, capturing a specific moment in her discography where her songwriting matured into a fully realized art form.