Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want

The Smiths' 'Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want' is a song that resonates with the feeling of longing and the desire for a change in fortune. The lyrics, penned by the band's lead singer Morrissey, are a plea for relief from a streak of bad luck and the fulfillment of a deeply held wish. The song's melancholic tone is underscored by Johnny Marr's hauntingly beautiful guitar work, which complements the wistful nature of the lyrics.

The opening lines, 'Good times for a change,' set the stage for a narrative of someone who has experienced a series of misfortunes. The phrase 'can make a good man turn bad' suggests that the weight of these experiences has the potential to change a person's character or outlook on life. This sentiment is a common theme in The Smiths' music, which often explores the darker aspects of the human experience with a poetic and introspective approach.

The repeated entreaty 'please, please, please' emphasizes the desperation and intensity of the singer's desire. The mention of not having 'had a dream in a long time' and the life that 'can make a good man bad' further illustrates a sense of weariness and the impact of a hard life. The invocation of 'Lord knows' adds a spiritual dimension to the plea, suggesting that even divine intervention would be welcome in achieving this long-sought-after goal. The song's brevity and the repetition of the title phrase convey a sense of urgency and a singular focus on the attainment of this one thing that has eluded the singer, which could be interpreted as love, happiness, or any other personal aspiration.