Kodaline’s All I Want: An Intimate Portrait of Heartbreak’s Anguish

14th March, 2024

The Vulnerability of Lived Experience

Great art often springs from the depths of personal turmoil, and Kodaline’s single “All I Want,” released on June 14, 2013, is a poignant testament to this truth, earning its place as a modern classic in the alternative rock genre. The melodic indie ballad was born from the raw vulnerability of the band members’ own experiences with heartbreak—a heartfelt letter from lead vocalist Steve Garrigan to his ex-girlfriend, encapsulating the raw emotions of a breakup and lending an authenticity that reverberates through every lyric and chord. The song captures the despair that Garrigan felt when his then-girlfriend flew off on holiday and returned home with a new guy. As he told The Sun, “The breakup was two years before. It takes some people longer to get over stuff. Every lyric is autobiographical. It was pure hell.“

Kodaline, an alternative rock band hailing from Dublin’s rich musical soil, rose to prominence with their heartfelt and emotive music that blends rock, folk, and pop into an emotionally charged, melodically rich sound. Consisting of Garrigan’s soulful vocals, Mark Prendergast’s shimmering guitars, Vinny May’s driving rhythms, and Jason Boland’s anchoring basslines, this Irish quartet bared their souls in All I Want.

Lyrics That Speak Volumes

The lyrics delve into the anguish of being unable to move on after a relationship’s end, with Garrigan lamenting, “All I want is nothing more/to hear you knocking at my door” and pleading desperately, “If I could see your face once more/I could die a happy man I’m sure.” The visceral pain is palpable as he mourns, “We’re not seventeen/I’m not scared anymore,” yet he remains haunted by memories. For Garrigan, penning these gut-wrenching words was cathartic, as the ending of this relationship was his first real heartbreak, leaving him grappling with how to cope as he poured those intense emotions into the lyrics, telling in an interview, “I didn’t know how to deal with it. Every lyric is everything I was going through in my room. I was basically writing down what I was going through.” Songwriters Prendergast, May, Garrigan, and James Flannigan transformed this anguish of lost love into a searing exploration of grief, longing, and the indelible mark left by profound connection.

A Visual Companion

The song’s two-part music video further heightened its impact. Directed by Stevie Russell, who plays the main character Oliver with his love interest Mandy being played by Irish actress Amy De Bhrún. The two-part saga is a masterclass in visual storytelling, mirroring the song’s emotional arc with breathtaking artistry. It tells the story of a man ostracised for his appearance, yearning for connection and acceptance. The message of the clip is: don’t judge a book by its cover. “Everyone is beautiful in their own way,” said Garrigan. “And as cliché as that is, it’s true.” The video was filmed at the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin in March 2022.

Echoes in Pop Culture

Music lovers and critics alike have expressed a lot of appreciation for All I Want. Its raw and emotional appeal has resonated with listeners, making it a popular track for pivotal moments in films and TV shows.

The song featured in the ninth season of the popular TV show ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, and was also part of ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ movie soundtrack. Its inclusion in these high-profile media projects alludes to the song’s emotional depth and universal appeal.

Furthermore, All I Want has achieved a significant milestone by amassing over a billion streams on Spotify, a testament to its enduring popularity. Its poignant lyrics have found a home at weddings, where they serve as an emotional backdrop for couples embarking on a lifelong journey together.

Reception and Accolades

All I Want has received numerous accolades for its moving lyrics and soulful composition. It charted at number 15 on the Irish Singles Chart and 67 on the UK Singles Chart. The track also received Gold and Platinum certifications in multiple countries, further solidifying its status as a modern-day classic.

Cover versions and remixes

The song’s popularity has led to various cover versions and remixes by artists worldwide. Notable among these is the cover by the Dutch electronic music duo Dash Berlin, which infuses the song with a fresh electronic vibe while staying true to its emotional core.

Conclusion

Kodaline In A Perfect World album artwork

All I Want by Kodaline is a powerful exploration of love, heartbreak, and longing. Its poignant lyrics, coupled with the band’s emotive musical style, make it a song that resonates deeply with listeners. Whether it’s the raw emotion conveyed in the lyrics, the evocative music video, or the song’s use in various media, All I Want continues to touch hearts worldwide.

You might also like:

Kodaline All I Want Lyrics

Verse 1
All I want is nothing more
To hear you knocking at my door
‘Cause if I could see your face once more
I could die a happy man, I’m sure
When you said your last goodbye
I died a little bit inside
I lay in tears in bed all night
Alone without you by my side

Chorus
But if you loved me, why’d you leave me?
Take my body, take my body
All I want is and all I need is
To find somebody, I’ll find somebody
Like you, oh, oh, oh
Like you, like you

Verse 2
So you brought out the best of me
A part of me I’d never seen
You took my soul and wiped it clean
Our love was made for movie screens

Chorus
But if you loved me, why’d you leave me?
Take my body, take my body
All I want is, and all I need is
To find somebody, I’ll find somebody

Bridge
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Chorus
If you loved me, why’d you leave me?
Take my body, take my body
All I want is, and all I need is
To find somebody, I’ll find somebody
Like you, oh