As a self-proclaimed Elton John fan, I thought I was familiar with most of his music, though some I like better than others.  But a few nights ago, Richard brought this one to my attention and I have to admit I had never heard it before nor seen the video.  When I first clicked on the video, I said to nobody in particular, “That’s NOT Elton!!!”  I had to look it up to discover the facts of the matter …  it’s different, that’s for sure …

I Want Love is a 2001 song by English musician Elton John, co-written with Bernie Taupin, released as the first single from his Songs from the West Coast album. The song reached the top ten in Canada and the United Kingdom. In the US, I Want Love reached #10 on the Billboard “Bubbling Under” (whatever the heck that is!!!) chart and #6 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song also featured in an advert for Royal Mail, in which John starred. It was nominated for a Grammy award in 2002 for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

The music video was shot with the actor Robert Downey Jr. walking through Greystone Mansion and lip-syncing the song. Video director Sam Taylor-Wood shot 16 takes of the video and used the last one because, according to Elton John, Downey looked completely relaxed, and, “The way he underplays it is fantastic”.  At the time, Downey was in drug rehab and the lyrics were pertinent to what he was going through.

I Want Love

Elton John

I want love, but it’s impossible
A man like me, so irresponsible
A man like me is dead in places
Other men feel liberated

I can’t love, shot full of holes
Don’t feel nothing, I just feel cold
Don’t feel nothing, just old scars
Toughening up around my heart

But I want love, just a different kind
I want love, won’t break me down
Won’t brick me up, won’t fence me in
I want a love, that don’t mean a thing
That’s the love I want, I want love

I want love on my own terms
After everything I’ve ever learned
Me, I carry too much baggage
Oh man I’ve seen so much traffic

But I want love, just a different kind
I want love, won’t break me down
Won’t brick me up, won’t fence me in
I want a love, that don’t mean a thing
That’s the love I want, I want love

So bring it on, I’ve been bruised
Don’t give me love that’s clean and smooth
I’m ready for the rougher stuff
No sweet romance, I’ve had enough

A man like me is dead in places
Other men feel liberated

But I want love, just a different kind
I want love, won’t break me down
Won’t brick me up, won’t fence me in
I want a love, that don’t mean a thing
That’s the love I want, I want love

I want love, just a different kind
I want love, won’t break me down
Won’t brick me up, won’t fence me in
I want a love, that don’t mean a thing
That’s the love I want, I want love

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Bernard J.p. Taupin / Elton John

I Want Love lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group