Everything She Wants
George Michael
The Price of Love: A Struggle for Balance in 'Everything She Wants'
George Michael's song 'Everything She Wants' delves into the complexities and challenges of a relationship where one partner feels overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of the other. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is grappling with the realization that his efforts to satisfy his partner's desires are never enough. This struggle is evident from the very beginning, as he reflects on how he once believed his partner was perfect for him, only to find himself six months later questioning what she truly wants from him.
The song's chorus, where the protagonist repeatedly asks, 'Why I work so hard for you,' underscores his frustration and confusion. He feels trapped in a cycle of working tirelessly to provide for his partner, yet never feeling appreciated or adequate. This sentiment is further amplified when he mentions that some people work for a living or for fun, but he works solely for her. The mention of marriage as a give-and-take relationship highlights his disillusionment, as he perceives his partner as someone who only takes without giving back.
As the song progresses, the protagonist's sense of entrapment deepens. He reveals that despite his efforts, his partner's demands continue to grow, and he feels like a stranger in his own life, merely working for wages to meet her expectations. The line 'My God, I don't even think that I love you' is a poignant moment of self-realization, where he questions the very foundation of their relationship. Ultimately, 'Everything She Wants' is a powerful exploration of the emotional and psychological toll of an imbalanced relationship, where one partner's relentless demands overshadow the other's efforts and love.