Take What You Got

In 'Take What You Got' from 'Kinky Boots: The Musical,' the characters Harry and Charlie reflect on their past and the inevitable changes that life brings. The song opens with a nostalgic look back at their childhood, reminiscing about the pub where their fathers spent their evenings and the yard where they used to play. However, these places have transformed over time, symbolizing the broader theme of change and the passage of time. The pub is now a laundromat, and the yard has become a high-rise flat, underscoring the idea that one cannot return to the past or make it last forever.

The core message of the song is about accepting and adapting to life's changes. Harry advises Charlie that you have to 'take what you've got,' even when life feels tangled and uncertain. This line emphasizes resilience and the importance of making the best out of one's current circumstances. The metaphor of 're-writing the plot' suggests that life is like a story, and sometimes, you need to take control and change its direction to find fulfillment and purpose.

Charlie grapples with societal expectations and his own uncertainties about the future. He contemplates moving to London or staying to uphold a legacy, reflecting the pressure to conform to external standards. However, he ultimately decides to take a chance and seize his destiny, embracing the unknown and the potential it holds. This decision marks a pivotal moment of self-empowerment and courage, highlighting the theme of personal growth and the pursuit of one's true path. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of the need to take aim, take your shot, and embrace the opportunities that life presents, no matter how daunting they may seem.