In an interview with Glide Magazine, Michael Gira explained that the lyrics for ‘Why Can’t I Have What I Want Any Time That I Want?’ were inspired by his struggles with staying sober:
Thematically, since it seems no one is ever going to notice, I’ll reveal here that the song was written in the thra...
[Verse 1]
When will time erase this stupid smile from my face?
I still feel you in my veins, pure and refined, while I raged
Questions are of no consequence
Humiliations are easily subsumed
In oblivion, and indifference
With a love that is malignant and true
[Verse 2]
Wrong, wrong, wrong
Wrong, wrong, wrong
I am wrong in this skin
But that’s where my need for you begins
With your nails through my hands
On the hill that I till
On the cross that I built
Crying for more, more, more
[Verse 3]
Give me more, give me more
I am your supplicant, I’m your whore
I’m unconscious on the floor
But my hand is reaching for your door
There's a shadow of your taste
And the bloodrush in my gut
No, it’s never, never enough
Why would I ever give you up?
[Verse 4]
All lost, lost, lost
Now I want to pay the cost
I don’t care, just erase
Every memory, every trace
Let me run through the ruins
From the failure and regret
Just open up my mouth
And pour your tongue into my head
[Verse 5]
All gone, gone, gone
I am lost without your breath
Now my teeth are cracked and red
I am begging at the foot of your bed:
Give me one more taste of death
[Outro]
Why can’t I have what I want any time that I want?
Why can’t I have what I want any time that I want?
Why Can’t I Have What I Want Any Time That I Want? was written by Michael Gira.
Why Can’t I Have What I Want Any Time That I Want? was produced by Michael Gira.
Swans released Why Can’t I Have What I Want Any Time That I Want? on Fri Jun 23 2023.