☝️ Key Points
- The song is about an imbalanced relationship where one person constantly gives and the other only takes
- The chorus shows a person doing everything to please the other, regardless of their own needs
- It addresses the frustration and disappointment that arise when feelings are not reciprocated
- The singer expresses the desire to take control and improve the relationship, but is rejected
- The repetition of the lyrics underscores the extent and duration of the emotional imbalance
Interpretation
The song 'Whatever You Want' by
Status Quo addresses an imbalanced relationship where one person constantly gives and the other only takes. The chorus 'Whatever you want, whatever you like, whatever you say, you pay your money, you take your choice' suggests that one person does everything to make the other happy, regardless of their own needs. The song also speaks about the frustration that builds up when feelings are not reciprocated. 'You're showing off, you're showing out, you look for trouble, turn around, give me a shout' portrays the disappointment and the need for recognition and appreciation. The line 'I could take you home on the midnight train again, I could make an offer you can't refuse' conveys the singer's desire to take control and improve the relationship, but it seems that the partner is not interested. The repetition of the verses underscores the duration and extent of the emotional imbalance.