Frontwoman and lyricist
Hayley Williams said on the deluxe version of the album that this
stripped down closing track was written about her boyfriend New Found
Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert. She said that
Gilbert was leaving to tour for the first time since they started their relationship and as a consequence all sorts of insecurities were bubbling to the surface.
Gilbert was leaving to tour for the first time since they started their relationship and as a consequence all sorts of insecurities were bubbling to the surface.
Hayley Williams told Alternative Press:
"I wish there was an actual story for this song. The whole time we were
writing and rehearsing at home, I was in this state where I wouldn't
come out or go out unless it was to write with the guys. I spent so much
time alone in my apartment that I think it started to mess with me and
just make me really sad. One day, I went to practice and Taylor [York,
rhythm guitar] was playing this song. It was another one of his. It hit
me and I just started writing whatever came to mind. 'All I Wanted'
almost didn't make the record. I can't remember why we didn't think it
would work. We would've been pissed right now if it wasn't there."