What You Want

Bombay Bicycle Club's song 'What You Want' delves into the complexities of human desires, relationships, and the struggles that come with them. The repetition of 'Your flesh and bones' at the beginning of the song sets a raw and visceral tone, emphasizing the physical and emotional essence of the human experience. This phrase suggests a focus on the fundamental aspects of being human, highlighting vulnerability and the intrinsic need for connection and fulfillment.

The lyrics describe a journey of attempting to achieve or obtain something significant, despite knowing the inherent difficulties ('You go down to take it all but you already know it’s hard'). This line reflects the universal struggle of pursuing one's desires while being acutely aware of the challenges and potential disappointments that lie ahead. The mention of 'he’s waiting on her' introduces a relational dynamic, hinting at the complexities and perhaps the unreciprocated efforts within a relationship.

The chorus, 'If I gotta ride like you want, eating up whatever you got,' speaks to the lengths one might go to meet another's expectations or to maintain a facade. The struggle to 'keep my lies up' and the acknowledgment of 'forcing it all' reveal the internal conflict and the pressure to conform or please others. The song also touches on the idea of transformation and adaptability ('You can rearrange me now'), suggesting a willingness to change for the sake of the relationship or personal growth. Ultimately, 'What You Want' captures the tension between desire and reality, the effort to maintain appearances, and the hope for mutual understanding and fulfillment in relationships.