What it Takes

Song Meaning

Drew Sarich's "What It Takes" isn't just another love song; it's an exploration of vulnerability and the almost unbearable effort of self-improvement. The opening verses paint a stark picture of a man flailing, "flying the flag that I'm fine" while secretly battling to "climb up a ninety-foot wall." This imagery immediately establishes a central theme: the tension between outward presentation and inner turmoil. The "shiny tower of pain" and the inability to stand without a cane—while also being too proud to use one—speaks to a self-destructive cycle of ego and suffering. He is stuck, and putting on a show so people don't see the true depth of his pain. This sets up the emotional landscape where another person's influence becomes not just welcome, but essential for survival. The song meaning pivots on the transformative power of another's love. The lyrics suggest a profound shift instigated by a partner who "showed me just what it takes / To keep a man, to keep a man / From falling down." This isn't mere codependency, but a revelation. The repeated chorus, with its images of "falling down," "sliding backward," and being "frozen and fractured," embodies the singer's precarious state. The partner's kiss, which "ignited a flame," becomes a catalyst for change, a lifeline in a sea of despair. The mantra-like repetition of "frozen and fractured" underscores the depth of the singer's brokenness before this intervention. Ultimately, "What It Takes" lands on the messy, ongoing process of becoming "a better man." Sarich doesn't offer a fairytale ending; instead, he acknowledges the daily struggle, the "fight to find another way to take a breath." The song's brilliance lies in its refusal to shy away from the grit and the doubt that accompany genuine personal growth. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the strength we need comes not from within, but from the unwavering belief of another, pushing us to confront our deepest flaws and emerge, slowly but surely, as someone stronger and more authentic. It's about acknowledging how hard it is to change while being grateful for the partner helping him through.