All She Wants Is
Duran Duran
The Elusive Desires in 'All She Wants Is' by Duran Duran
Duran Duran's song 'All She Wants Is' delves into the complexities of desire and materialism, wrapped in the band's signature new wave sound. The repetitive chorus, 'All she wants is,' underscores a sense of insatiable longing, suggesting that the subject of the song is driven by an unending quest for more—whether it be material possessions, experiences, or emotional fulfillment. This repetition creates a hypnotic effect, emphasizing the relentless nature of her desires.
The verses paint a vivid picture of a world where money and superficial pleasures dominate. Lines like 'Spend your money on the corner now' and 'Collecting all your toys' highlight a consumerist culture where value is placed on material goods and fleeting pleasures. The mention of the 'shoeshine boy' and 'pulling 'em by the hand inside' suggests a transactional nature to relationships and interactions, where everything has a price and everyone is a player in the game of acquisition.
The song also touches on the idea of seeking 'heaven' or ultimate satisfaction, but it remains elusive. Phrases like 'If you need a little heaven now, just stick around' and 'If you need a lead to heaven, yeah, a place to share in every position' imply that the pursuit of happiness is ongoing and never fully realized. The rhetorical questions 'What do you dare? What do you care? What does your heart say now?' challenge the listener to reflect on their own desires and motivations, adding a layer of introspection to the song's commentary on materialism and desire.
'All She Wants Is' captures the essence of a society obsessed with consumption and the perpetual chase for more, all while questioning the true source of fulfillment and happiness.