What We Want To Be

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a persistent, almost pleading, "Can't you see?" This repetition hammers home a central frustration: a perceived lack of recognition or understanding from an unseen audience. It sets a tone of urgency, as if the speaker is trying to break through a wall of indifference to convey a vital truth about potential and self-determination. The core tension lies between external perception and internal capability. The repeated assertion "we got the ability" clashes with the insistent question "Can't you see?" It suggests a disconnect where the speaker's group possesses inherent power but feels it's being overlooked or dismissed. This creates a palpable sense of being underestimated, fueling the desire to assert their agency. The most striking craft element is the pivot from "ability" to "choose what we want to be." This transition highlights the power of choice as the ultimate expression of that ability. Later, the phrase "'til we know what we're gonna fake" introduces a layer of ambiguity. It implies that the process of self-discovery might involve performance or experimentation, a deliberate construction of identity until authenticity is found or solidified. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their direct, almost defiant, affirmation of self-authorship. The insistent questioning and the confident declarations of ability and choice combine to create an anthem of empowerment. It’s a powerful reminder that potential is meaningless without the freedom to act upon it and the recognition to validate it.