I Only Wanted
Mariah Carey · Charmbracelet
Doesn't it ever stay
Must it always fade away
Couldn't love ever be
Something tangible and real
Farewell, fairweather friend
Abandonment returns to taunt me again
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life
For the first time
I only wanted you to be there when I
Opened up my eyes
I was caught in your masquerade
Wish I'd stayed beneath my veil
But it just seemed so easy to
Open up myself to you
Once more into the wind
The embers scatter
And the chill settles in
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life
For the first time
I only wanted you to be there when I
Opened up my eyes
Guitar solo
Oh
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life
For the first time
I only wanted you to be
The one to get me through that night
I only wanted you
To be there when I
Opened up my eyes
Oh
Doesn't it ever stay?
I only wanted you to
Stay
Must it always fade away
Couldn't love ever be
Something tangible and real
Farewell, fairweather friend
Abandonment returns to taunt me again
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life
For the first time
I only wanted you to be there when I
Opened up my eyes
I was caught in your masquerade
Wish I'd stayed beneath my veil
But it just seemed so easy to
Open up myself to you
Once more into the wind
The embers scatter
And the chill settles in
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life
For the first time
I only wanted you to be there when I
Opened up my eyes
Guitar solo
Oh
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life
For the first time
I only wanted you to be
The one to get me through that night
I only wanted you
To be there when I
Opened up my eyes
Oh
Doesn't it ever stay?
I only wanted you to
Stay
I Only Wanted
Mariah Carey's 'I Only Wanted' serves as a poignant centerpiece on her 1994 album *Charmbracelet*, showcasing her signature melismatic vocal style within the R&B and pop genres. The track reflects the emotional vulnerability characteristic of her work during the mid-90s, blending lush production with her powerful tenor voice. As part of her broader discography, the song exemplifies her ability to craft romantic ballads that resonate deeply with listeners, standing alongside other notable releases from the era such as 'We Belong Together' and 'My All'. It remains a testament to her enduring influence on contemporary music and her mastery of emotional expression through recording and performance.