Joan Armatrading MBE (born Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading in Basseterre, Sa… Read Full Bio ↴Joan Armatrading MBE (born Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading in Basseterre, Saint Kitts on 9 December 1950) and brought up in Birmingham, England, is a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

Armatrading has mixed eclectic musical styles over decades of recording and performing. She has had several British hit singles, the biggest of which were "Love & Affection", "Me Myself I", and "Drop the Pilot". Her music is generally pop, with forays into rock, folk, jazz, and even reggae. Her popularity is primarily as an album artist.

She gained a new audience following her writing and performing "The Flight of the Wild Geese", which was used during the opening and end titles for the 1978 film The Wild Geese.

Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16 (circa 1966). She only knew her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".[9] She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass and rhythm guitar at local clubs.

Whatever
Joan Armatrading Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Speaking of love
You ask how much you should give
Expect and receive
Take what you could, give what you must coz
Whatever's for us, for us
Mmmmmm
Whatever's for us, for us

Speaking of pride
You ask but why, what for
And what it should be
Do what you will, say what you must coz
Whatever's for us, for us

Speaking of life
You ask how, how right you are
To be feared or loved
Heed not a lie, fear not to trust coz
Whatever's for us, for us

Mmmmmm
Whatever's for us, for us

Overall Meaning

In the song "Whatever's For Us" by Joan Armatrading, the lyrics speak of different aspects of life such as love, pride, and life itself. The overall message of the song is to focus on what is meant for oneself and not to worry about what others may expect or think. In the first stanza, the lyrics discuss love and how one should give as much as they can, but only give what they feel comfortable with because ultimately what is meant for them will come to fruition. In the second stanza, the lyrics touch on pride and how one must do what they believe to be right, even if it may not be the popular choice. Lastly, in the third stanza, the lyrics delve into the meaning of life and how one's individual path is their own and they should not worry about what others may think. The lyrics encourage listeners to trust in themselves and not to fear the unknown.

Overall, the song speaks to the theme of individuality and finding one's self. The lyrics encourage listeners to trust themselves and to not worry about external expectations. Joan Armtrading's beautiful and calming voice adds to the tranquil message of the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Speaking of love
When discussing the topic of love

You ask how much you should give
You question the amount of love you should give

Expect and receive
Anticipate love and be open to receiving it

Take what you could, give what you must coz
Take as much love as you need, and give as much as you can

Whatever's for us, for us
Love is meant for those who are open to it

Speaking of pride
When discussing the topic of pride

You ask but why, what for
You question the purpose and meaning of pride

And what it should be
You wonder what the ideal concept of pride is

Do what you will, say what you must coz
Act and speak according to your own beliefs and values

Whatever's for us, for us
Pride is subjective and personal

Speaking of life
When discussing the topic of life