What You Want

THE ORAL CIGARETTES' song 'What You Want' delves into the complexities of desire and communication within a relationship. The repeated plea, 'Tell me what you want, baby,' underscores a yearning for clarity and understanding between partners. This repetition suggests a sense of urgency and frustration, as if the speaker is desperate to bridge a gap that words alone cannot seem to close. The phrase 'sing to your other side' implies a need for deeper, perhaps more honest communication, hinting at the duality within each person and the hidden aspects of their desires and emotions.

The lyrics also explore themes of loneliness and connection. Phrases like 'You are my smile, you are my hurting lies, you are my crying' juxtapose positive and negative emotions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of relationships. The line 'You are so bright tonight' suggests moments of clarity and happiness, yet these are interspersed with feelings of pain and deceit. This duality is further emphasized by the recurring question, 'What you want?' which remains unanswered, symbolizing the ongoing struggle to understand and fulfill each other's needs.

Cultural nuances are also present in the song, particularly in the Japanese lyrics. Words like 'aitai na omotte mo nai koto' (things I don't even think about wanting to see you) and 'taisetsu na kimochi sae nakushiteku' (even losing important feelings) highlight the internal conflict and the difficulty of expressing true emotions. The concept of 'heikou sen' (parallel lines) represents the idea of two people moving alongside each other without ever truly converging, a poignant metaphor for unfulfilled desires and the elusive nature of perfect understanding in relationships. Through its evocative lyrics and emotional depth, 'What You Want' captures the essence of human connection and the perpetual quest for mutual comprehension and fulfillment.