Everything She Wants
Wham!
The Strain of Material Love in 'Everything She Wants'
Wham!'s 'Everything She Wants' is a song that delves into the complexities of a relationship strained by materialism and unmet expectations. The lyrics, delivered with a catchy beat typical of the 80s pop duo, express the frustration of a man who feels he is working tirelessly to provide for his partner's ever-increasing desires. The protagonist is coming to terms with the fact that no matter how much he gives, it's never enough to satisfy his partner, leading him to question the very foundation of their relationship.
The song's chorus, 'Somebody tell me, why I work so hard for you? To give you money,' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the futility of trying to maintain a relationship that seems to be based solely on financial support. The protagonist's realization that his efforts are not appreciated and that his partner's wants are insatiable leads to a deeper existential crisis, where he begins to doubt if his love is genuine or if it's been overshadowed by the materialistic nature of the relationship.
Culturally, 'Everything She Wants' reflects the 1980s' consumerist ethos, where success and happiness were often measured by material possessions. The song's narrative is a cautionary tale about the dangers of equating love with the ability to provide material wealth, and it serves as a critique of a society that prioritizes material gain over emotional connection and mutual support in relationships.