What Do You Want?

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a persistent, almost desperate plea for clarity, centered on the repeated question, "What do you want?" The narrator seems to be addressing someone who is withholding their desires or intentions, creating a palpable tension. This isn't just a simple inquiry; it's framed as a "matter of trust," suggesting a deeper relationship or situation where open communication is expected but absent. The core conflict arises from this lack of transparency. The narrator implies that revealing these wants would be met with resistance or disbelief, stating, "Few here'd be true to your point of view / If they knew what you want." This suggests the desired outcome might be unpopular or difficult for others to accept, even the person themselves, as they "can't" walk in those shoes. The inability to articulate these wants, "What do you want that you cannot say?" highlights a significant barrier, whether internal or external. A striking element is the shift in perspective in Verse 3, where an unknown speaker introduces a philosophical layer. This speaker questions the very ability of a person to know their own desires, "whether / A person knows what he wants or does not want." This introduces doubt about whether the person being addressed is even capable of answering, or if the narrator's frustration stems from an unanswerable internal void within the other person. Ultimately, the song's effectiveness lies in its relentless focus on a single, unanswered question. The repetition of "What do you want from us?" builds a sense of frustration and yearning, mirroring the experience of dealing with someone whose motives remain obscure. The lyrics capture the emotional weight of unspoken needs and the strain it places on trust and understanding.