The Cars

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I don't mind you comin' here
And wastin' all my time
'Cause when you're standin' oh so near
I kinda lose my mind

[Pre-Chorus]
It's not the perfume that you wear
It's not the ribbons in your hair
And I don't mind you comin' here
And wastin' all my time

[Verse 2]
I don't mind you hangin' out
And talkin' in your sleep
It doesn't matter where you've been
As long as it was deep, yeah

[Pre-Chorus]
You always knew to wear it well and
You look so fancy I can tell
And I don't mind you hangin' out
And talkin' in your sleep

[Chorus]
I guess you're just what I needed
(Just what I needed)
I needed someone to feed
I guess you're just what I needed
(Just what I needed)
I needed someone to bleed
[Verse 3]
I don't mind you comin' here
And wastin' all my time, time
'Cause when you're standin' oh so near
I kinda lose my mind, yeah

[Pre-Chorus]
It's not the perfume that you wear
It's not the ribbons in your hair
And I don't mind you comin' here
And wastin' all my time

[Chorus]
I guess you're just what I needed
(Just what I needed)
I needed someone to feed
I guess you're just what I needed
(Just what I needed)
I needed someone to bleed

[Chorus]
I guess you're just what I needed
(Just what I needed)
I needed someone to feed
I guess you're just what I needed
(Just what I needed)
I needed someone to bleed
Yeah, yeah, so bleed me
[Outro]
(You're just what I needed)
(You're just what I needed)
(You're just what I needed)
Yeah, yeah, yeah

If you're a fan of the pop/new wave genre, you're probably already familiar with the Boston-based band The Cars. One of their biggest hits is "Just What I Needed," a track that saw significant commercial and critical success upon its release. As an avid music expert with over two decades of experience, I can attest to the song's enduring popularity and its influence on the larger musical landscape.

About Just What I Needed

Released in 1978, "Just What I Needed" was the first big hit for The Cars and is considered a hallmark of their musical style. Sung by bass player Benjamin Orr, the track's heavy pop/new wave sound quickly made it a chart-topping success. It was included on their self-titled debut album, which only further cemented their status as a breakout group.

As a music expert, I can't stress enough the significant influence that The Cars had on the music of the late 70s and early 80s. While the term "new wave" was thrown around quite a bit at the time, few bands embodied the style to the extent that The Cars did. Their sound was a fusion of punk, rock, and pop, with a healthy dose of synthesizers and catchy melodies. It's no wonder that "Just What I Needed" resonated so strongly with audiences when it was released.

Instrumentally, "Just What I Needed" is a masterclass in pop songwriting. The guitar riffs are punchy and memorable, while the synthesizer lines are both catchy and innovative. The drums and bass line lay down a solid foundation for the rest of the song to build on, and it's all held together by Orr's distinctive, emotive vocals. It's no wonder that the track continues to be a crowd-pleaser to this day.

What I find particularly interesting about "Just What I Needed" is how it encapsulates the larger cultural moment of the late 70s. This was a time of tremendous social and political change, and music was a crucial part of that process. Bands like The Cars were able to tap into the zeitgeist of the era, offering a refreshing, upbeat, and optimistic outlook on the world through their music. As a result, "Just What I Needed" is more than just a catchy pop song – it's a snapshot of a specific moment in time.

And yet, it's also a timeless classic that has endured for over 40 years. The song's infectious energy and earworm melody continue to captivate listeners, no matter their age or musical preference. It's this universality that sets "Just What I Needed" apart from so many other songs of its era – it's a piece of music that truly stands the test of time.

As a content writer and music expert, I can confidently say that "Just What I Needed" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of pop, rock, or new wave music. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this track is sure to bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step.

• Release Date: March 28, 1978
• Artist: The Cars