About the song
Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” is a song that has become synonymous with the energy and excitement of live rock music. Originally released in 1977 on their second album, *In Color*, the song was initially met with a lukewarm reception. However, it was the live version from their 1978 album *Cheap Trick at Budokan* that catapulted the song—and the band—into stardom.
The live version of “I Want You to Want Me” was recorded during a performance at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The Budokan concert was a turning point for Cheap Trick, as it captured the electric atmosphere of the band’s live shows and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The album, and particularly this track, highlighted Cheap Trick’s ability to blend catchy pop hooks with the raw energy of rock, a combination that made them a favorite among fans.
The live rendition of “I Want You to Want Me” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, infectious chorus, and the enthusiastic response from the audience. Robin Zander’s distinctive vocals, combined with Rick Nielsen’s dynamic guitar work, created a performance that was both powerful and memorable. The crowd’s cheers and applause, which are prominently featured on the recording, add to the song’s lively and engaging feel.
One of the most striking aspects of the Budokan version is how it transformed a studio track that had initially struggled to gain traction into a global hit. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it Cheap Trick’s first major hit in the United States. This success was largely due to the raw energy and spontaneity captured in the live performance, which brought out the full potential of the song.
“I Want You to Want Me” has since become one of Cheap Trick’s signature songs, a staple of their concerts, and a defining moment in the band’s career. The live version from Budokan is often cited as one of the greatest live recordings in rock history, and it remains a powerful example of how a live performance can elevate a song to new heights. For many fans, it is this version that truly captures the essence of Cheap Trick’s appeal: fun, energetic, and irresistibly catchy rock music.
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Lyrics
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m beggin’ you to beg me
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’ll shine up my old brown shoes
I’ll put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me
Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’ (cryin, cryin’)
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’ (cryin, cryin’)
Feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’ (dyin’, dyin’)
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’ (cryin’, cryin’)
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m beggin’ you to beg me
I’ll shine up my old brown shoes
I’ll put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me
Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’ (cryin, cryin’)
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’ (cryin, cryin’)
Feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’ (dyin’, dyin’)
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’ (cryin’, cryin’)
Feelin’ all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin’ (dyin’, dyin’)
Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I
See you cryin’ (cryin’, cryin’)
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m beggin’ you to beg me