Give You What You Like
Avril Lavigne
The Bargain of Intimacy in Avril Lavigne's 'Give You What You Like'
Avril Lavigne's song 'Give You What You Like' delves into the complexities of seeking comfort and connection, even if it's fleeting and not entirely genuine. The lyrics portray a scenario where the protagonist is willing to engage in a transactional relationship, offering physical intimacy in exchange for a sense of belonging or affection, however temporary it may be. The repeated line 'If you give me what I want, then I'll give you what you like' encapsulates this exchange, highlighting the conditional nature of the interaction.
The song also touches on themes of loneliness and the human desire to feel loved. The protagonist seems to be aware that the emotions involved are not deeply rooted in true love, as indicated by the lines 'Emotions aren't that hard to borrow' and 'When love's the word you've never learned.' There's a sense of resignation to the fact that both parties are using each other to fill a void, with the protagonist seeking to numb the pain of loneliness with temporary solutions. The mention of 'a brand new cure for lonely' suggests a repetitive cycle of seeking short-term fixes for a deeper emotional need.
Furthermore, the song's atmosphere is tinged with a sense of melancholy and introspection. The protagonist is not entirely convinced of the authenticity of the emotions at play, questioning 'Is this love? Maybe someday.' The darkness and the stars in the eyes symbolize the allure and the illusion of the moment, which is preferred over the harsh reality that might be revealed by the light. The song ends on a note of wanting to forget, indicating that the protagonist is aware of the emptiness of the exchange and the desire to move past it.