Etham's song "I Wish It Was Me" is a heartfelt and bittersweet expression of unrequited love. The lyrics reveal a deep longing for someone who is caught in a cycle of finding love with others but not with the singer. The song explores the narrator's frustrations and desires as they have known the person they love for a long time. Despite having a close connection and the belief that they would end up together, the singer never knew how to initiate a romantic relationship. When the person they love finds someone else and shares their excitement, it becomes difficult for the narrator to handle. They understand that the person loves them but not in the way they yearn for. It's painful for the narrator to witness the deep emotional connection the person has with someone else, wishing it was themselves who were the missing piece in their life. The lyrics convey the hope and longing the narrator holds onto, seeing themselves as the reason for the person's sleepless nights, the one they miss so much it takes their breath away, and the one they see in the darkness when they close their eyes. The chorus emphasizes the conflicting emotions the narrator experiences. They are looked at like someone who is only needed when things go wrong, while the person sees their current partner as their missing piece. The narrator yearns for the person's love to be directed towards them instead. The bridge reveals the struggle of the narrator in expressing their feelings. They stumble over the words, finding it hard to hide their true emotions. Despite this, they find solace in the person's eyes, believing that the answer to their unspoken love can be found there. The song concludes with the narrator's heartbreaking realization that they are not the one the person chooses. As the music fades and the lights come on, they hope to take the person home, but it is the person's partner whom they whisper to about leaving. The singer wishes it was them who the person craves to be with. Overall, "I Wish It Was Me" beautifully captures the pain of unrequited love and the desire to be the one who fills a person's heart. It showcases the narrator's longing, frustrations, and dreams, making it a relatable and emotional song for those who have experienced unreciprocated feelings.
