You felt a subtle breeze
So I ripped away my skin to warm your bones
And you said you don’t like secrets
So I told you more than you ever had to know
I thought we had a deal
But now I’m learning that I never had control
What are we doing here?
You got me all dressed up just to stop the show
So please, what do you want from me?
I’ve been dancing on a wire
Now I’m dying on my feet
Oh, please, what more can I be?
I can’t hold you up much longer
Now I’m breaking at the knees
Tell me, what do you want?
What do you want from me?
I saw your heavy eyes
So I tucked you in and turned down all the lights
But I was faithful, I was true
And I can’t say the same for you
Oh, it makes me want to scream
What do you want from me?
I’ve been dancing on a wire
Now I’m dying on my feet
Oh, please, what more can I be?
I can’t hold you up much longer
Now I’m breaking at the knees
Tell me, what do you want?
What do you want from me?
I get this shiver like there’s something coming over me
I’m hearing music moving through me like a symphony
Not even Hell could hold me down
Your words mean nothing now, I’m finally free
I’m finally free
I’ll take a walk and let the world burn right in front of me
I don’t give a damn what’s on the news or on the big TV
I only answer to myself
Don’t need nobody else
I’m finally free
Oh, I’m finally free
I get this shiver like there’s something coming over me
I’m hearing music moving through me like a symphony
Not even Hell could hold me down
Your words mean nothing now, I’m finally free
Oh, I’m finally free
I’ll take a walk and let the world burn right in front of me
I don’t give a damn what’s on the news or on the big TV
I only answer to myself
Don’t need nobody else
I’m finally free
Oh, I’m finally free
I get this shiver like there’s something coming over me
I’m hearing music moving through me like a symphony
Not even Hell could hold me down
Your words mean nothing now, I’m finally free, yeah
I’ll take a walk and let the world burn right in front of me
I don’t give a damn what’s on the news or on the big TV
I only answer to myself
Don’t need nobody else
I’m finally free
Unpacking the Emotional Layers of “What Do You Want”
Benson Boone’s “What Do You Want” delivers a poignant exploration of vulnerability, self-sacrifice, and the search for freedom within a complicated relationship. The opening verses set the stage with vivid imagery—tearing away one’s own skin to provide comfort—highlighting the lengths the narrator goes for their partner. As the song progresses, the chorus questions the ever-shifting expectations and emotional toll, with Boone expressing the exhaustion of “dancing on a wire” and “breaking at the knees.”
From Heartache to Liberation
The transformation in the latter half of the song marks a powerful shift. Boone moves from heartbreak and confusion to a declaration of independence, singing about the feeling of being “finally free.” The repetition of this newfound liberation amplifies the cathartic release, resonating with anyone who has struggled to find themselves after a difficult breakup.
Song Credits
Song: What Do You Want
Artist: Benson Boone
Songwriters: Benson Boone
Release Year: 2024