After You Get What You Want You Dont Want It
Marilyn Monroe
The Fleeting Nature of Desire: Marilyn Monroe's Insightful Ballad
Marilyn Monroe's song "After You Get What You Want You Don't Want It" delves into the ephemeral nature of human desire and the constant quest for satisfaction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is perpetually discontented, always yearning for something new, only to lose interest once their desires are fulfilled. This cycle of wanting and then discarding is likened to the behavior of a child, emphasizing the immaturity and impulsiveness of such a mindset. Monroe's delivery, with her iconic voice, adds a layer of vulnerability and wisdom to the song, making it a poignant reflection on human nature.
The song uses metaphors like giving someone the Moon to illustrate the grandiosity of the desires and the inevitable disappointment that follows. The line "You're like a baby, you want what you want when you want it" underscores the impulsive and fickle nature of the person being addressed. This metaphor extends to the broader human experience, suggesting that many people are trapped in a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction, always looking for the next thing to fulfill them, only to find that true contentment remains elusive.
Culturally, the song resonates with the consumerist mindset prevalent in modern society, where people are constantly bombarded with new things to want and buy. Monroe's song serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of appreciating what one has and finding contentment within oneself. The repeated refrain, "After you get what you want, you don't want what you wanted at all," is a powerful commentary on the transient nature of desire and the importance of self-awareness in breaking free from this cycle.