McLaughlin was born on September 27, 1982 in Anderson, Indiana. Playing piano since early childhood, he was always finding ways to get out of piano lessons. While attending Highland High School, he shattered both wrists in an accident that interrupted his musical education. Nevertheless, McLaughlin attended Anderson University to study music. He released an independent album entitled Up until Now in 2003. This quickly led to McLaughlin becoming the first artist to sign on with the school's record label, Orangehaus Records. His self-titled album was released in 2004 to local and regional praise. He began touring, travelling throughout the U.S. Midwest, and working up a grassroots following.
He released Indiana in 2007, preceded earlier in the same year by the EP Industry, also known as Jon McL. In 2008, McLaughlin returned with lead single "Beating My Heart" from his album OK Now released in the same year. He gained fame with his cameo appearance in Disney's Enchanted. Released in early September 2011 in the U.S. Forever If Ever was McLaughlin's third major-label release. 2012's lead single "Summer Is Over" featured fellow singer-songwriter-pianist Sara Bareilles from Promising Promises which was a slightly reworked version of his 2011 album. There were no other singles released from the album. Jon released Holding My Breath on his website and iTunes on September 24, 2013. The mp3 version of the album is also available at Amazon.
What I Want
Jon McLaughlin Lyrics
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With everything I say and do, do
You're drawing lines in the sand like
An army's right behind you
Standing on your soapbox
Bashing things that I stand for
Now we could have a conversation
'Cause I'm gonna do exactly what I want
And you can say that I'm the one to blame
Yeah I'm gonna do exactly what I want
And I hope you do the same
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh
The sun revolves around a world
You swear is black and white, black and white
But you've had your eyes closed for so long
You've forgotten what it looks like
Well I'm from Indiana
She made me what I've become
Everybody has their reasons
And one is always where they're from
So I'm gonna do exactly what I want
And you can say that I'm the one to blame
Yeah I'm gonna do exactly what I want
And I hope you do the same
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh
I hope you do the same
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh
I hope you do the same
I won't be wasting my time
Caring about your opinions
So go ahead and try
To find somebody who listens
'Cause I can't hear you
And I'm gonna do exactly what I want
And you can say that I'm the one to blame
And I'm gonna do exactly what I want
And I hope you do the same
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh
I hope you do the same
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh oh
I hope you do the same
The song What I Want by Jon McLaughlin is an anthem about standing up for oneself and doing what makes one happy, regardless of the opinions of others. The lyrics start with the singer expressing frustration towards someone who is overly critical of their actions, someone who is quick to judge and put up barriers. The bridge of the song is especially powerful in its delivery, with McLaughlin singing “I won't be wasting my time caring about your opinions, so go ahead and try to find somebody who listens.” This line is a declaration of independence, stating that the singer will do what they want and not be swayed by the judgments of others.
The chorus repeats the message that the singer will do what they want, and encourages others to do the same. The song ends with McLaughlin restating that he can’t hear the other person’s criticisms because he’s going to do exactly what he wants, whether or not the other person agrees.
The song’s universal message of standing up for oneself and staying true to one’s own desires has made it a popular one amongst fans of McLaughlin’s music. It’s also been used in media like TV shows and movies to underscore moments of individualism and empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
Man you've got a problem
The singer is addressing someone who disagrees with everything they say and do
With everything I say and do, do
The other person takes issue with every statement and action made by the singer
You're drawing lines in the sand like An army's right behind you
The other person is creating a division between themselves and the singer, as if they are preparing for battle
Standing on your soapbox
The other person is expressing their opinion with conviction and authority
Bashing things that I stand for
The other person is criticizing the artist's beliefs and values
Now we could have a conversation If you would just stop keeping score
The singer is willing to engage in a dialogue if the other person is willing to listen without judgment
'Cause I'm gonna do exactly what I want And you can say that I'm the one to blame
The singer is asserting their independence and taking responsibility for their actions, regardless of the other person's opinion
Yeah I'm gonna do exactly what I want And I hope you do the same
The artist encourages the other person to also pursue their desires and make their own choices
The sun revolves around a world You swear is black and white, black and white
The other person has a narrow worldview where things are either right or wrong, with no room for nuance or complexity
But you've had your eyes closed for so long You've forgotten what it looks like
The other person's inflexible mindset has caused them to lose sight of reality
Well I'm from Indiana She made me what I've become
The singer's upbringing in Indiana has shaped their personality and values
Everybody has their reasons And one is always where they're from
Everyone has their own unique experiences and background that contribute to their beliefs and actions
I won't be wasting my time Caring about your opinions
The singer is choosing not to concern themselves with the other person's judgment
So go ahead and try To find somebody who listens 'Cause I can't hear you
The singer is dismissing the other person's attempt to communicate, as they are not receptive to their message
And I'm gonna do exactly what I want And you can say that I'm the one to blame
The singer reiterates their autonomy and accountability for their choices
And I hope you do the same
The artist wants the other person to also live their life on their own terms
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHAN MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind