Tell Me What You Want
KoRn
The Inner Struggle and Defiance in KoRn's 'Tell Me What You Want'
KoRn's 'Tell Me What You Want' is a raw and intense exploration of inner turmoil and defiance. The song opens with a vivid image of the narrator lying in a 'pool of sin,' suggesting a state of moral or emotional conflict. Despite the negative connotations of sin, the narrator finds a paradoxical sense of comfort in this state, hinting at the complexity of human emotions and the allure of self-destructive behaviors. The repeated phrase 'letting go, giving in' underscores a surrender to these darker impulses, reflecting a struggle between resistance and acceptance.
The chorus, with its aggressive repetition of 'Tell me what you want?' followed by 'Fuck you go away,' captures a sense of frustration and rebellion. This could be interpreted as a confrontation with external pressures or internal demons, demanding clarity while simultaneously rejecting any form of control or influence. The raw language and repetition emphasize the intensity of these emotions, creating a cathartic release for both the narrator and the listener.
The song's structure, with its cyclical return to the chorus and the command to 'go away and never come back,' reinforces the theme of an ongoing battle. The narrator's determination to 'fight until I win' suggests a relentless pursuit of self-liberation, even as they acknowledge the seductive pull of their darker side. KoRn's signature nu-metal sound amplifies the song's emotional weight, blending aggressive instrumentation with Jonathan Davis's visceral vocal delivery to create a powerful expression of inner conflict and defiance.