Meaning of What You Want by The Weeknd

The Weeknd's song titled 'What You Want' explores themes of desire, materialism, and the complexities of relationships. The overall theme of the song revolves around the narrator's awareness of what his partner wants from him, both materially and emotionally, and how he navigates these desires within the context of their relationship.One standout lyric in the song is "I will never be what you need but I got what you want." This line not only captures the narrator's self-awareness of his shortcomings in meeting his partner's needs, but also reveals his confidence in being able to fulfill her desires. This theme of fulfilling desires despite personal inadequacies is further explored in the line "You just wanna spend my cash and smoke my weed." Here, the narrator acknowledges his partner's materialistic desires and her need for escapism, highlighting the superficiality of their relationship.Another significant lyric is "See the sauce drippin' off from the heart that's on my sleeve." This line serves as a metaphor for the narrator's vulnerability and the emotional strain he experiences in the relationship. It suggests that despite his understanding of his partner's desires, he still wears his heart on his sleeve and is emotionally invested. This theme of emotional vulnerability is further developed in the line "When she make me mad, I leave her ass on read," revealing the narrator's internal struggles with his partner's behavior and his tendency to retreat rather than confront the issues at hand.Moving on to the second verse, we encounter the lyric "Pin drop, pin drop, ten o' clock, ten o' clock. Hit the inbox, I'll be in the box." This line metaphorically represents the narrator's willingness to be available for his partner, despite her flaws. It conveys his willingness to be a support system for her and provide her with the attention she craves, while also hinting at the somewhat static nature of their interactions.Another significant lyric in the song is "What you want, I got everything, lows, highs, show off anything. Told her, 'Hold tight, go light with them heavy things.'" This lyric highlights the narrator's willingness to provide his partner with anything she desires, whether it be material possessions or emotional support. It shows his ongoing commitment to meeting her wants and needs, despite the difficulties they encounter.In summary, 'What You Want' delves into the complexities of desire, materialism, and emotional vulnerability within a relationship. The song highlights the narrator's self-awareness of his shortcomings in meeting his partner's needs, but also his unwavering commitment to fulfilling her desires. It emphasizes the challenges of navigating a relationship that is based on superficial desires, while also revealing the narrator's emotional investment and willingness to provide support. Overall, the song delves deep into the intricacies and dynamics of modern relationships, shedding light on the give and take between partners and the pursuit of personal fulfillment in the face of external expectations.