FAWM: "The Little Wants"

The Little Wants

1 day ago by @alyxanderjames

Skirmish: Reckless (@robinleaf)

The Little Wants

alyxanderjames

00:00

Liner Notes

I had a whole long conversation with my spiritual director this weekend about how hard it is to give myself permission to want things, especially when I'm in a place where my needs are met. And then yesterday as I was journaling I wrote "I can handle big wants. It's letting the little ones matter that's hard... There's probably a song in there." And then I saw the prompt for this skirmish and thought, well...guess I could process that a bit.

#Folk #SingerSongwriter #PersonWithGuitar #AcousticOneTake

Lyrics

I want to hold your hand I want to cuddle on the couch I know you understand So why's it hard to say out loud?

I know how to have big dreams I know how to want important things But my resolve will shatter If I try to let the little wants...matter

I want to be with you I just want comfortable closeness I know that you do, too So why does asking feel reckless?

I know how to have big dreams I know how to want important things But my resolve will shatter If I try to let the little wants...matter

I spent so many years pretending Staying distant, disconnected I didn't want to feel it But now I'm trying

I know how to have big dreams I know how to want important things But my resolve will shatter If I try to let the little wants...matter

Comments

@ruby 6h

You have a wonderful voice. The intimacy of this is beautiful. Isn’t it strange how so many of us struggle to ask for what we need? This is spot on. Thanks for sharing.

@coolparadisoMod 19h

Very interesting thought! I must say i never really thought of it exactly and its pretty spot on! plus those small things can become the big things. Lovely delivery (particularly the picking) as always! nice one!

@garlajoie 21h

I love an honest lyric like this. And so relatable to so many. Your fingerpicking is so steady, bravo! If you don't mind me diving into your story (something I'm trying to do more of this year), it is so interesting to see that you are married but this is what resonates with you. And for me, I love the little wants. It's the big wants I really struggle with :)

@harperjen 21h

Oh wow, I feel this! My little wants were always my own problem to fulfill, growing up, so I have a ton of trouble asking for them now. (Also a lot of trouble asking for help for myself, go figure.) Even when you know the person you're asking will say yes, it's like you keep score in your head: "if I ask more than x times a day/week/month then they won't want to say yes anymore". You've put this so much more eloquently in your song!!!

@trashmilk 22h

Ooh this is a great approach to recklessness! I love how the song feels very strict as it is with the finger picking. The lyrics expressing the small stray wants are “reckless” due our resolve, very well done making the juxtaposition!

@bethdesombre 1d

What a fantastic concept for a song (and for a life . . . ). The chorus puts it so well (including the long space before "matter") Beautiful.

@johnstaples 1d

This is really beautiful! Your soft and clear vocals are perfect! Nice guitar picking as well! I am really intrigued by your lyrics! Big wants vs. little wants is such an interesting way to present this! Really nice work on the skirmish!

@josie_allen 1d

'Comfortable closeness' is a great turn of phrase it makes me think of all the quiet times of peaceful companionship I share with my significant other.

@tjeff 1d

I relate to the story so very, very much. The idea of knowing how to have the big dreams but the inability to follow through with actions that are required - big stuff! Lovely finger style guitar part.