want that too

Tate McRae's song "want that too" is a powerful anthem of resilience and self-worth. The lyrics tell the story of a young person who has been blindsided and mistreated in a relationship, only to emerge stronger and more self-aware. The opening lines, "I was blindsided, couldn't see it comin' / Too young to be treated like that," set the stage for a narrative of betrayal and emotional manipulation. The recurring theme of a knife in the back symbolizes the deep emotional wounds inflicted by someone who was once trusted.

The chorus, "Oh, I gave you everything that I couldn't afford to lose / Now I pull myself together and you come out of the blue," highlights the protagonist's journey from vulnerability to empowerment. Despite the pain and loss, they have managed to rebuild themselves, only to find the antagonist reappearing, attempting to take away their newfound happiness. This cyclical pattern of giving and taking underscores the toxic nature of the relationship, where the antagonist is always looking to exploit the protagonist's strengths and achievements.

The song also delves into themes of regret and memory, with lines like "Keep sayin' one day I'll regret it / But I don't / Prolly think one day I'll forget it / But I won't." These lyrics emphasize the protagonist's determination to remember the lessons learned and not fall back into the same patterns. The bridge, "Take my innocence for weakness, take my money, I don't need it / 'Cause that's all you ever wanted, didn't you?" further cements the idea that the antagonist was always more interested in taking than giving. Ultimately, "want that too" is a declaration of independence and a refusal to be defined by past traumas, making it a relatable and empowering song for anyone who has faced similar struggles.