Cheap Trick has been around since the ’70′s and ’80′s, and I never thought about being a fan. Through a friend’s cousin’s friend, I snagged a free ticket — a V.I.P. free ticket — to a show last night.

(Cell phone photos to come as soon as I find that little thing for the little memory chip in the phone).

What a show, it was great, and the Cheap Trick fans were out in full force. Mostly middle aged, but they have a loyal following.

Then it happened: the part of the brain that has that visceral, emotional reaction to some long forgotten song?

I want you to want me.

Well, I won’t go into the details of the not pleasant association I have with that song, great song that it is:

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
Id love you to love me.
Im beggin you to beg me.

(Full lyrics after the jump) .

I must have been dealing with a narcissist when this song came on my radar. This song totally lacks any emotional content whatsoever, except maybe a dopamine rush. I mean, it’s all about what the singer wants, and what he feels he deserves because: (more after the jump)

Didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?
Oh, didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?
Feelin all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin.
Oh, didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?

I dunno — but the performance was great for a band that’s been doing this for 30 + years.

Words and music by rick nielsen

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
Id love you to love me.
Im beggin you to beg me.

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
Id love you to love me.
Ill shine up the old brown shoes, put on a brand-new shirt.
Ill get home early from work if you say that you love me.

Didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?
Oh, didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?
Feelin all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin.
Oh, didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
Id love you to love me.
Im beggin you to beg me.
Ill shine up the old brown shoes, put on a brand-new shirt.
Ill get home early from work if you say that you love me.

Didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?
Oh, didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?
Feelin all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin.
Oh, didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?
Feelin all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin.
Oh, didnt i, didnt i, didnt I see you cryin?

I want you to want me.
I need you to need me.
Id love you to love me.
Im beggin you to beg me.
I want you to want me.
I want you to want me.
I want you to want me.
I want you to want me.