The Meaning Behind Bette Midler’s To Deserve You




Bette Midler‘s songTo Deserve You is a poignant exploration of self-worth and the deep desire to be worthy of someone’s love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer’s admiration for the object of her affection, describing them as almost ethereal, with their feet not touching the ground. This imagery sets up a stark contrast between the singer’s perceived flaws and the idealized perfection of the one she loves. The repeated refrain, “How I want, how I want to deserve you,” underscores a profound sense of inadequacy and longing.

Throughout the song, Midler delves into the complexities of self-doubt and vulnerability. She admits to feeling out of rhythm and too demanding, revealing a fear of being seen in a less-than-perfect light. The dawn’s light, often a symbol of new beginnings, is described as cruel, highlighting the harsh reality of her insecurities. The wish to shine in her lover’s eyes like a jewel signifies a deep yearning for validation and acceptance. This desire to be seen as valuable and cherished is a universal theme that resonates with many listeners.

The song also touches on themes of sacrifice and devotion. Midler expresses a willingness to die for her lover and to transform herself in various ways to meet their needs. The metaphor of trading arms for wings to become an angel and trading her voice for silence illustrates the lengths she would go to in order to be deserving. This intense devotion, however, is tinged with a fear of losing the love she so desperately seeks. The plea to be told if she is holding on too tightly reflects a delicate balance between love and insecurity. Ultimately, “To Deserve You” is a heartfelt anthem of love, vulnerability, and the quest for self-worth in the eyes of another.




To Deserve You
(Maria McKee)

I see so many golden women;
When they walk their feet don't touch the ground.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
But me, I'm always out of rhythm.
My needs too demanding, too proud.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.

I didn't want you to see me like this.
The light of the dawn can be cruel.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
And if I could be granted a wish,
I'd shine in your eye like a jewel.
How I want to deserve you.

I would die for you.
Could you ever love me that much?
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
Yes, you tell me this,
And I want to believe that it's true.
Aah, how I want, how I want to deserve you.

I didn't want you to see me like this.
I'm weak and I fight like a fool.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
And if I could be granted a wish,
I'd shine in your eye like a jewel.
How I want to deserve you.

If I could be your angel
I'd trade in my arms for some wings
To keep you close to me.
And if I could trade my voice
For the silence I know that you need.
Ah, how I want, how I want to deserve you.

I didn't want you to see me like this.
So frightened of losing so soon.
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
And if I've caught our love in a grip,
Just tell me and I'll shake it loose.
How I want to deserve you.

Oh, na na na na na.
Oh, oh.
How I want to deserve you.
Na na na na na na na.
Whoa, oh.
How I want to deserve you.
Oh, I want to deserve you.
Na na na na na na
Share A little Divinity

2 thoughts on “The Meaning Behind Bette Midler’s To Deserve You

  1. When I bought the “BETTE OF ROSES” album I was in college. My friends liked to poke fun at my Bette Midler obsession and Bette herself (all in good fun.) Anyway one of my friends always called this amazing song “GET SOME SELF ESTEEM BITCH!” But she liked the album, and we heard this song all the time at the gay clubs we frequented only it was always the techno dance version which I don’t like nearly as much as the album version (this version.) I am currently in a long distance relationship and in my e-mail and text messages to him I quote lyrics from this song routinely! He doesn’t even know where the lines originate from but he is well aware of my life long Bette Midler obsession! I told him from the beginning to be with me it’s a package deal (me and Bette.)

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