Born and raised in San Diego, California, RuPaul later studied performing arts in Atlanta, Georgia. He settled in New York City, where he became a popular fixture on the LGBTQ+ nightclub scene. He achieved international fame as a drag queen with the release of his debut single, "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which was included on his debut studio album Supermodel of the World (1993). He became a spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics in 1994, raising money for the Mac AIDS Fund and becoming the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign. He later received his own talk show on VH1 called The RuPaul Show, which he hosted for over 100 episodes while co-hosting the morning radio show on WKTU with Michelle Visage.
RuPaul's Drag Race was created in 2009 and has gone on to produce fourteen seasons in the United States. The show has also seen success internationally, with several international variants of the show being made, such as RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Canada's Drag Race. This has also inspired several spin-offs of the main show, including RuPaul's Drag U, RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, and RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race. He is also featured as a host on other reality television series such as Skin Wars, Good Work, and Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul.
RuPaul has made appearances in films such as Crooklyn (1994), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), television shows such as Girlboss (2017), Broad City (2017), and Grace and Frankie (2019). He later created and starred in his own Netflix original television series AJ and the Queen (2020). In addition, he has also published three books: Lettin' It All Hang Out (1995), Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style (2010), and GuRu (2018).
RuPaul is considered the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States. For his work on RuPaul's Drag Race, he has received 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming the most-awarded person of color in the history of the Primetime Emmys. Outside of film and television, he also continues to write and record music; he has released fourteen studio albums as of 2022, and received a Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer for the musical A Strange Loop.
Just What They Want
RuPaul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you wanna work
I know you wanna work
Boom, check it, boom, we opening the doors
Takin' applications, we scope out the floors
Of the room, she, focused on the floor
Potential sensation, the bella du jour tryna bloom
She hoping for some more coin, dressed for the ball
But she ready for the wartime, fire resides inside her
The fever, got an open mind, but she always keep her
Eyesight set on the limelight
Hides the shine by day, highness by night
Might climb heights, she pines for the high life
Might be my kind, might be the right type
Serving looks, giving life
Quite divine, she's the highlight of my night
I just might confide in her outside
I've a mind to ride with her all night
(I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em
Just what they want
They wanna see you (work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em (I know you wanna work)
Just what they want
They wanna see you
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna work)
You know I'm looking for the bitch who wants to walk
Lookin' for the bitch with the pussy that wants to pop
Especially when the pop severe, better tuck the jock
Making it appear as if the kitty could drip the drop
Make 'em wild, when she hitting the spin, the drop
Style R&B, to the hip, the hop
Vogue for your life, you ain't trying to get the chop
Upcoming child, better aim for the tip top
(I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em
Just what they want
They wanna see you (work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em (I know you wanna work)
Just what they want
They wanna see you
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work(I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work
(I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work(I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work(I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work(I know you wanna)
(Pushed into a family now)
(They wanna see you walk)
No shame fam, don't need the fig leaf
Wigs get snatched, bring me the wig thief
No tea, no shade, no beef
But who is the drag commander-in-chief?
Last I checked, I'm still the boss
Paid the price, I paid the cost
Flashy flexing when I floss
Damn, she wrecks it when she walks
Machiavelli to the drop, uh (work, work, work, work, work)
(Work) They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em
Just what they want
They wanna see you (Work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em (I know you wanna work)
Just what they want
They wanna see you
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
In the song "Just What They Want" by RuPaul, the lyrics tell a story of a performer who is ready to work and give the audience exactly what they desire. The opening lines of the song emphasize this desire to work, highlighting the performer's determination and dedication. The song then describes a situation where the performer is in a room, focused on the dance floor and hoping to make a mark. The lyrics convey that she is dressed for success and ready to shine, with a fierce inner fire.
The chorus captures the essence of the song, stating that the audience wants to see the performer let loose and go off. It emphasizes that the performer is in the business of entertainment and is willing to meet the audience's expectations. The repetition of "work" throughout the song further reinforces the idea of putting in the effort and giving it all on stage.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of serving looks, being divine, and being the highlight of the night. It suggests that the performer is confident and captivating, capable of delivering a memorable performance. Additionally, there is a mention of aiming for the top and not settling for anything less. The lyrics acknowledge the challenges faced in the world of entertainment and the importance of striving for success.
Overall, "Just What They Want" is a song that celebrates the performer's dedication to their craft, their willingness to meet the audience's expectations, and their desire to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Line by Line Meaning
Boom, check it, boom, we opening the doors
Hey, pay attention, we're about to start something exciting
Takin' applications, we scope out the floors
We're accepting submissions, carefully evaluating everyone
Of the room, she, focused on the floor
She's determined, with her eyes on the prize
Potential sensation, the bella du jour tryna bloom
She has the potential to become a star, ready to shine
She hoping for some more coin, dressed for the ball
She wants to make more money, dressed in her best attire
But she ready for the wartime, fire resides inside her
She's prepared for any challenge, fueled by her passion
The fever, got an open mind, but she always keep her
She's enthusiastic and open to new ideas, but she maintains her boundaries
Eyesight set on the limelight
She's fully focused on achieving fame and success
Hides the shine by day, highness by night
She conceals her brilliance during the day, but shines bright at night
Might climb heights, she pines for the high life
She's determined to reach the peak and desires a glamorous lifestyle
Might be my kind, might be the right type
She could be my match, the ideal person for me
Serving looks, giving life
She's serving extraordinary appearances, bringing joy to others
Quite divine, she's the highlight of my night
She's truly divine, capturing everyone's attention and making the evening memorable
I just might confide in her outside
I might share my secrets and trust her completely
I've a mind to ride with her all night
I want to spend the entire night enjoying her company
(I know you wanna work)
I understand your desire to succeed
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
People want to witness your full potential and talent
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
They want to see you unleash your energy and passion
You know I am in business
I'm serious about what I do
Come, let's give 'em
Let's show them
Just what they want
Exactly what they're looking for
Work, work, work, work, work
Keep hustling and putting in effort
You know I'm looking for the bitch who wants to walk
I'm searching for the confident person who wants to strut their stuff
Lookin' for the bitch with the pussy that wants to pop
Searching for someone with a vibrant and lively personality
Especially when the pop severe, better tuck the jock
Especially when the excitement is intense, be prepared to handle it
Making it appear as if the kitty could drip the drop
Creating an illusion of overflowing charm and allure
Make 'em wild, when she hitting the spin, the drop
Driving them crazy when she performs impressive dance moves
Style R&B, to the hip, the hop
Her style blends R&B and hip-hop influences
Vogue for your life, you ain't trying to get the chop
Dance with grace and fierceness, avoiding elimination
Upcoming child, better aim for the tip top
As a rising talent, strive for the highest position
(Pushed into a family now)
Being accepted and embraced by a supportive community
(They wanna see you walk)
They want to witness your confident and captivating runway walk
No shame fam, don't need the fig leaf
Don't feel embarrassed, no need for covering up
Wigs get snatched, bring me the wig thief
Wigs will be taken off in awe, bring the person responsible for this
No tea, no shade, no beef
No gossip, no insults, no conflicts
But who is the drag commander-in-chief?
Who is the ultimate leader and authority in the drag world?
Last I checked, I'm still the boss
Last time I checked, I'm still in charge
Paid the price, I paid the cost
I've sacrificed a lot and worked hard to reach this position
Flashy flexing when I floss
Showing off and flaunting my success
Damn, she wrecks it when she walks
Wow, she completely dominates and impresses with her walking
Machiavelli to the drop, uh (work, work, work, work, work)
Showing strategic and calculated moves until the beat drops
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rupaul Charles, Fredrick Minano
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@goodbyebabe
I know you wanna work
I know you wanna work
I know you wanna work
Boom, check it, boom, we opening the doors
Takin' applications, we scope out the floors
Of the room, she, focused on the floor
Potential sensation, the bella du jour tryna bloom
She hoping for some more coin, dressed for the ball
But she ready for the wartime, fire resides inside her
The fever, got an open mind, but she always keep her
Eyesight set on the limelight
Hides the shine by day, highness by night
Might climb heights, she pines for the high life
Might be my kind, might be the right type
Serving looks, giving life
Quite divine, she's the highlight of my night
I just might confide in her outside
I've a mind to ride with her all night
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em
Just what they want
They wanna see you (work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em (I know you wanna work)
Just what they want
They wanna see you
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna work)
You know I'm looking for the bitch who wants to walk
Lookin' for the bitch with the pussy that wants to pop
Especially when the pop severe, better tuck the jock
Making it appear as if the kitty could drip the drop
Make 'em wild, when she hitting the spin, the drop
Style R&B, to the hip, the hop
Vogue for your life, you ain't trying to get the chop
Upcoming child, better aim for the tip top
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em
Just what they want
They wanna see you (work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em (I know you wanna work)
Just what they want
They wanna see you
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work(I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work(I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work(I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work(I know you wanna)
Pussy don’t fail me now
No shame fam, don't need the fig leaf
Wigs get snatched, bring me the wig thief
No tea, no shade, no beef
But who is the drag commander-in-chief?
Last I checked, I'm still the boss
Paid the price, I paid the cost
Flashy flexing when I floss
Damn, she wrecks it when she walks
Machiavelli to the drop, uh (work, work, work, work, work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em
Just what they want
They wanna see you (Work)
They wanna see you let it out (I know you wanna work)
They wanna see you go off (I know you wanna work)
You know I am in business
Come, let's give 'em (I know you wanna work)
Just what they want
They wanna see you
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
Work, work, work (I know you wanna)
Work, work, work, work, work
@KaiSaMain
"I know you wanna work" speaks directly to me, as an unemployed man.
@ctti
As an unemployed woman, I felt that, too.
@ronaldogarcia4816
sameee here
@miguelsaavedra2022
X5
@adamw4894
The way I screamed at this comment 😂
@levinelson5840
Preach
@normiepasta618
Ru is still putting out some quality bops. This one is definitely a banger
@renauldadaley1531
Mama plays 0 games in that studio with her little side shuffle 😂😂😂
@gabryelbatista633
this beat is like if “call me mother” and “sissy that walk” had a baby. Loves it
@michellepekel3413
YES!!!!! :)