I Want You to Want Me

Scream along to Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me," their explosive 1979 power pop mega-hit! Made world-famous by the legendary 'At Budokan' live album, this energetic anthem is pure rock and roll fun. Experience the signature song that conquered global charts!

Released as a single in April 1979, the electrifying live version of "I Want You to Want Me" from 'Cheap Trick at Budokan' became the band's massive breakthrough US Top 10 hit. While a more subdued studio version appeared on their 1977 'In Color' album, this raucous, high-energy power pop recording captured their live charisma perfectly, catapulting Cheap Trick to stardom.

Driven by Rick Nielsen's instantly recognizable guitar riff and Robin Zander's pleading yet powerful vocals, "I Want You to Want Me" became an definitive power pop classic in 1979. Its simple, universally relatable lyrics and overwhelmingly infectious energy made the live 'At Budokan' arrangement an unforgettable rock anthem, cementing its place as one of Cheap Trick's most iconic songs.

SONG MEANING: "I Want You to Want Me" is a direct and simple power pop plea for romantic attention and reciprocation. The lyrics express the narrator's straightforward yearning for the object of their affection to desire them back ("I want you to want me / I need you to need me / I'd love you to love me"). It's a pure, universally understood expression of wanting love returned.