Be What You Want To Be

Song Meaning

Koko Taylor's "Be What You Want To Be" isn't just a blues lament; it's a masterclass in self-preservation disguised as a kiss-off. The track pulses with a woman's weary resignation, but underneath simmers a potent understanding of power dynamics in relationships. The lyrics sketch a familiar scenario: a partner who consistently disrespects the relationship, staying out late and causing emotional distress. Rather than begging or pleading, Taylor’s narrator takes a radically different approach, granting permission for the behavior while simultaneously laying down a subtle threat. The repeated refrain, "Go 'head, live while your heart is free / Do what you wanna / Be what you want to be," initially sounds like acceptance, even encouragement. However, the undercurrent suggests a calculated detachment, a knowing release designed to expose the partner’s folly. The psychological genius of "Be What You Want To Be" lies in its deployment of reverse psychology. By seemingly relinquishing control, the narrator seizes it entirely. She understands that attempts to control or change the partner have been futile. Instead, she offers freedom, knowing that unchecked freedom can often lead to self-destruction. The warning, "Someone out there waiting / For what you 'bout to lose," is not a jealous outburst but a cold, hard assessment of the partner's value. The narrator recognizes her own worth and understands that her partner's actions will ultimately lead to regret. It’s a blues song about the long game, about understanding human nature and playing the odds. The seemingly simple phrase, "Be what you want to be", holds layers of meaning. It's not merely an endorsement of individual freedom; it's an invitation to self-discovery, with the implicit understanding that the partner's true self might not be what either of them expects. The line, "What's good for the gander is sure good for the goose," adds a layer of feminist bite. It's a declaration of equality, a refusal to accept double standards. Koko Taylor isn't just singing about heartbreak; she's singing about agency, about the power of a woman to define her own terms, even in the face of infidelity. The song meaning ultimately rests on the listener deciphering whether this is truly about acceptance, or a warning shot fired across the bow.