What Do You Want From Me
Pink Floyd Lyrics


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As you look around this room tonight
Settle in your seat and dim the lights
Do you want my blood do you want my tears
What do you want?
What do you want from me?
Should I sing until I can't sing any more
Play these strings until my fingers are raw
Ah ah ah
You're so hard to please
What do you want from me?

Do you think I know something you don't know (What do you want from me?)
If I don't promise you the answers would you go (What do you want from me?)
Should I stand out in the rain
Do you want me to make a daisy chain for you
Ah ah ah
I'm not the one you need
What do you want from me

You can have anything you want
You can drift, you can dream, even walk on water
Anything you want

You can own everything you see
Sell your soul for complete control
Is that really what you need?

You can lose yourself this night
See inside there is nothing to hide
Turn and face the light





Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
What do you want from me

Overall Meaning

"What Do You Want From Me" is a song by Pink Floyd about a person who is trying to understand the expectations of others. The song is about the main character trying to please the people around him, but no matter what he does, his efforts are not appreciated. The lyrics express the frustration and confusion of the character in trying to meet the expectations of others. The main character is willing to sacrifice and please, but he doesn't know what others want from him. The song discusses the different things that people might want from him, from his blood to his tears, but he just can't seem to figure it out. The lyrics are also ambiguous in places and could be interpreted to be about someone's relationship or work situation.


The chorus, "What do you want from me?" is repeated throughout the song which emphasizes this feeling of confusion and frustration. At some point in the song, the main character tries to give the listener everything they want, and in the end, he advises the listener to "turn and face the light" and "lose yourself this night." The song conveys the idea that sometimes we just can't satisfy everyone, and it's okay to be yourself and not what others want you to be. Pink Floyd's signature sound, including the guitar solo in the middle of the song, complements the song's gloomy lyrics, expressing the character's uncertainty about what others want from him.


Line by Line Meaning

As you look around this room tonight
As you take in your surroundings in this moment


Settle in your seat and dim the lights
Make yourself comfortable and prepare for a deeper conversation


Do you want my blood do you want my tears
Are you looking for me to give you all that I have, even if it is painful


What do you want?
What is it that you are seeking from me?


What do you want from me?
What is it that you desire for me to provide or give to you?


Should I sing until I can't sing any more
Do you want me to continue to pour out my soul for you?


Play these strings until my fingers are raw
Should I continue to play music for you until it causes me physical pain?


You're so hard to please
It seems like nothing I do is good enough for you


What do you want from me?
I am still unclear as to what it is you are searching for from me


Do you think I know something you don't know (What do you want from me?)
Is there something specific that you believe I am hiding from you?


If I don't promise you the answers would you go (What do you want from me?)
Will you leave me if I cannot provide you with the solutions that you seek?


Should I stand out in the rain
Would you like me to physically sacrifice and suffer for you?


Do you want me to make a daisy chain for you
Are you seeking a meaningless, trivial gesture of affection from me?


I'm not the one you need
I do not think I am the person who can satisfy your desires


What do you want from me
I am still searching for clarity on what you truly desire from me


You can have anything you want
I am willing to give you everything that is in my power to provide


You can drift, you can dream, even walk on water
The world is open to you and you can pursue anything you desire


Anything you want
I truly mean that there are no limits to what you can seek or achieve


You can own everything you see
There is so much possibility and opportunity for you to attain great power and control


Sell your soul for complete control
But, the question is, at what cost?


Is that really what you need?
It is important to reflect on whether or not what you are seeking is truly fulfilling


You can lose yourself this night
At this moment, you can truly let go and immerse yourself in whatever you desire


See inside there is nothing to hide
You have the power to be your true self without fear of judgment


Turn and face the light
It is time to confront the truth and embrace that which you truly desire


What do you want from me
Once again, I ask that you provide me with clarity on what you sincerely seek from me




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Dave Gilmour, Polly Samson, Rick Wright

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@josecarlosguaritaoli

"What Do You Want From Me"

As you look around this room tonight
Settle in your seat and dim the lights
Do you want my blood, do you want my tears
What do you want
What do you want from me
Should I sing until I can't sing any more
Play these strings until my fingers are raw
You're so hard to please
What do you want from me

Do you think that I know something you don't know
What do you want from me
If I don't promise you the answers would you go
What do you want from me
Should I stand out in the rain
Do you want me to make a daisy chain for you
I'm not the one you need
What do you want from me

You can have anything you want
You can drift, you can dream, even walk on water
Anything you want

You can own everything you see
Sell your soul for complete control
Is that really what you need

You can lose yourself this night
See inside there is nothing to hide
Turn and face the light

What do you want from me



@rusa337

As you look around this room tonight
Settle in your seat and dim the lights
Do you want my blood do you want my tears
What do you want?
What do you want from me?
Should I sing until I can't sing any more
Play these strings until my fingers are raw
Ah ah ah
You're so hard to please
What do you want from me?
Do you think I know something you don't know (What do you want from me?)
If I don't promise you the answers would you go (What do you want from me?)
Should I stand out in the rain
Do you want me to make a daisy chain for you
Ah ah ah
I'm not the one you need
What do you want from me
You can have anything you want
You can drift, you can dream, even walk on water
Anything you want
You can own everything you see
Sell your soul for complete control
Is that really what you need?
You can lose yourself this night
See inside there is nothing to hide
Turn and face the light
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
What do you want from m



All comments from YouTube:

@Valveus

Those female backing vocals send shivers down my spine!

@stormcharley

Sure do

@johntangen3652

Division Bell is truly one of Floyd's most underrated albums. It may lack the lyrical genius of Waters, but the overwhelming soulfulness of Gilmour and Wright more than make up for it (Also, Mason's drumming is on point as always).

@TrickOrRetreat

Spot on. It´s full of goodies :) Makes no sense to compare it to other albums, just enjoy.

@daBEAGLE1017

Floyd is all i need

@gilmourdimegates

One of the first Cds I ever owned. Still have it. You're right it deserves more recognition. Some great guitar work from Gilmour.

@ranellejerome2177

The lyrics of this song and High Hopes speak to me as loudly and emphatically as did Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall did back in the day.

@Illisdeo

Affirmation is for those who are unsure of their own soulful reckoning. I appreciate Roger; but his anger/anyone’s anger is going to exhaust anyone. Accolades/awards from institutions are ultimately, unimportant.

22 More Replies...

@michaelcumpton5795

Anyone who's ever been in a relationship of any kind has asked this question at least once.

@arloc357

Currently dealing with a crazy ex. Can relate

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