What You Want
Evanescence
Embracing Authenticity and Overcoming Inner Turmoil
Evanescence's song "What You Want" is a powerful anthem about self-discovery, personal freedom, and confronting inner demons. The lyrics encourage listeners to pursue their dreams and desires, but also to remember their true selves in the process. The repeated line, 'Do what you, what you want,' serves as a mantra for autonomy and self-direction, suggesting that one should follow their own path even when faced with doubt or external pressures.
The song delves into the struggle between who we are and the aspects of ourselves that we cannot control, as highlighted in the lines 'I'm everything you can't control.' This internal conflict is a common human experience, where the parts of ourselves that we wish to change or are unable to fully understand often lead to a sense of helplessness. The mention of 'every heart in my hands like a pale reflection' could symbolize the weight of expectations and the fear of failing others. Amy Lee, the lead vocalist and co-founder of Evanescence, is known for her emotive voice and the band's dark, gothic sound, which perfectly encapsulates the song's themes of pain and the search for redemption.
The song ultimately offers a message of hope, as it suggests that beyond the pain and the things we cannot control, there is a possibility to 'break through.' The lyrics 'There's still time, close your eyes, only love will guide you home' imply that love and self-compassion can be guiding forces towards healing and finding peace within oneself. The call to 'tear down the walls and free your soul' is an invitation to let go of barriers that prevent authentic living and to embrace one's true identity.