Call It What You Want

Song Meaning

Grace VanderWaal's "Call It What You Want" dives headfirst into the murky waters of clandestine romance, a space where labels dissolve and desire reigns supreme. The song's genius lies in its exploration of the push and pull between wanting to be claimed and accepting a love that exists in the shadows. The opening scene, set in a dimly lit Broadway bar, immediately establishes an atmosphere of secrecy and anticipation. VanderWaal isn't just checking where her lover is; she's gauging the risk, the potential for exposure in a public space. The line about breaking her finger if she doesn't keep her word underscores the gravity of the situation. She's committed to maintaining the facade, to protecting the relationship at all costs. This sets the stage for a relationship built on unspoken rules and careful navigation. The pre-chorus and chorus are where the song's central conflict comes to light. The repeated phrase "Just as long as I'm your favorite stranger, I'll play along" is both a declaration of love and a quiet admission of vulnerability. She's willing to accept the role of a 'favorite stranger,' someone who exists outside the boundaries of conventional relationships, as long as she holds a special place in her lover's heart. The chorus, with its insistent "Call it what you want," emphasizes the fluidity of their arrangement. The lyrics suggest a desire to be defined, to be claimed ("say I'm yours"), but also a willingness to relinquish control over the narrative. This speaks to the complex emotions involved in accepting a love that defies easy categorization. VanderWaal expertly captures the emotional tightrope walk of such a relationship. The second verse delves deeper into the sacrifices made to maintain the secrecy. Lines like "Take my pride, it's just imagination" and "Undress the thought that this will make it" reveal a willingness to shed pretense and societal expectations. The phrase "white lies are easy for me" highlights the lengths to which she's willing to go to protect their secret. Ultimately, "Call It What You Want" isn't just about the thrill of forbidden love; it's a nuanced exploration of the compromises we make, the identities we negotiate, and the stories we tell ourselves in the pursuit of connection, even if that connection exists only in the liminal space between fantasy and reality.