The song "I Need You" by Joan Armatrading explores themes of loneliness, longing, and regrets in relationships. The lyrics depict the narrator's feelings of isolation late at night, despite having someone physically next to them. They admit that their true desire and longing are for their lover's presence and affection. In the morning light, when faced with the reality of being with a stranger, the narrator realizes that their longing is for the paradise they once shared with their lover. They try to fill the void by dancing and singing, but something is always missing. Every night, the narrator finds themselves with a different person, but they reveal that whenever they hold them tight, they unintentionally reveal their true emotions and end up feeling the same emptiness. It becomes clear that they want their lover back, as they desperately need that deep connection they once had, like they did the first time they kissed. The narrator admits that they miss their lover the most at night and throughout the day. They feel remorseful for causing hurt and driving them away. Despite this, they cannot resist standing by their lover's door, hoping for a chance to reconcile. Overall, the song conveys the narrator's deep longing for their lost love and their realization that they need them in order to feel complete. It's a heartfelt expression of vulnerability, regret, and the desire to make amends.
