What You Want

My Bloody Valentine's song "What You Want" delves into the complex interplay of memory, desire, and emotional turmoil. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of longing and a cyclical return to past experiences, suggesting a struggle to move forward while being constantly pulled back by memories. The repetition of phrases like "I go back to" and "come back to" underscores this theme of being trapped in a loop of recollection and emotional attachment. The protagonist seems to be grappling with an internal conflict, torn between the desire to move on and the irresistible pull of the past.

The song's ethereal and somewhat ambiguous lyrics create a dreamlike atmosphere, which is a hallmark of My Bloody Valentine's shoegaze style. The lines "What you want / But you know that I'm alive" and "Don't you know (what I) feel inside" hint at a deeper emotional connection that the protagonist is trying to convey, yet struggles to articulate fully. This sense of emotional opacity is further emphasized by the recurring imagery of smiling and eyes, suggesting that outward appearances can be deceiving and that true feelings are often hidden beneath the surface.

Culturally, the song reflects the broader themes of the shoegaze genre, which often explores introspection, emotional depth, and the blurring of reality and memory. The use of reverb and distortion in the music complements the lyrical content, creating a soundscape that feels both immersive and disorienting. This sonic texture mirrors the protagonist's emotional state, where clarity is elusive, and the past and present are inextricably intertwined. Ultimately, "What You Want" captures the essence of human vulnerability and the enduring impact of our memories and desires on our present selves.