Wannabe
Various Artists Lyrics


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Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna
Really, really, really wanna zigazig ha

If you want my future, forget my past
If you wanna get with me, better make it fast
Now don't go wastin' my precious time
Get your act together, we could be just fine

I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna
Really, really, really wanna zigazig ha

If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
Make it last forever, friendship never ends
If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give
Takin' is too easy, but that's the way it is

Whatchu think about that? Now you know how I feel
Say you can handle my love, are you for real? (are you for real?)
I won't be hasty, I'll give you a try
If you really bug me, then I'll say goodbye

Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna
Really, really, really wanna zigazig ha

If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends (gotta get with my friends)
Make it last forever, friendship never ends
If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give (you've got to give)
Takin' is too easy, but that's the way it is

So here's a story from A to Z, you wanna get with me
You gotta listen carefully
We got Em in the place who likes it in your face
You got G like MC who likes it on an
Easy V doesn't come for free, she's a real lady
And as for me, you'll see
Slam your body down, and wind it all around
Slam your body down, and wind it all around

If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends (gotta get with my friends)
Make it last forever, friendship never ends
If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give (you've got to give)
Takin' is too easy, but that's the way it is

If you wanna be my lover, you gotta, you gotta, you gotta
You gotta, you gotta, slam, slam, slam, slam (make it last forever)
Slam your body down, and wind it all around
Slam your body down, and wind it all around
Slam your body down, and wind it all around




Slam your body down and zigazig ha
If you wanna be my lover

Overall Meaning

The song "Wannabe" by Spice Girls is about telling someone what they really want in a relationship. The song opens with the singer telling someone that she wants to know what they really want in life, and she will tell them what she wants too. The chorus repeats the line "I wanna zigazig ha," which is a nonsensical phrase that Spice Girls used to represent the feeling of excitement and energy that they wanted their fans to feel while listening to their music.


The second verse is about setting standards in a relationship. The singer tells the other person that if they want to be with her, they shouldn't waste her time, and they should be serious about the relationship. The third verse is about the importance of friendship in a romantic relationship. The singer tells the other person that if they want to be with her, they must also get along with her friends and treat them well because "friendship never ends."


The bridge of the song is a rap that introduces each member of the Spice Girls, highlighting their unique personalities and tastes. The song ends with the chorus repeating the message that if someone wants to be with the singer, they must be serious, respect her friendships, and give as much as they take in the relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
I have a clear idea of what I desire and I want to express it.


So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I'm interested in hearing about your desires as well, so please share them with me.


I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
Just in case you didn't quite understand the first time, I'll reiterate what I desire.


So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
I want to make sure that we are both on the same page, so please share your desires with me.


I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna (ha), I wanna Really, really, really wanna zigazig ha
I have a very strong desire to achieve something that I am struggling to articulate, but it makes me feel excited and motivated.


If you want my future, forget my past
If you are interested in a future with me, it's important that you don't dwell on my past mistakes or experiences.


If you wanna get with me, better make it fast
If you are interested in pursuing a relationship with me, it's important that you act quickly so that we don't miss our chance.


Now don't go wastin' my precious time Get your act together, we could be just fine
I value my time and energy, so if you are serious about pursuing a relationship with me, it's important that you are prepared and focused on making it work.


If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends Make it last forever, friendship never ends
If you want to be more than just a passing fancy, it's important that you develop strong connections with my close friends and that our relationship has the potential for longevity.


If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give Takin' is too easy, but that's the way it is
If you want a real and lasting connection with me, you can't just take from me, you have to put in effort and be willing to give as well.


Whatchu think about that? Now you know how I feel
I want to know what your thoughts and feelings are on this matter, and I also want to make sure that you understand where I'm coming from.


Say you can handle my love, are you for real? (are you for real?)
I want reassurance that you are really capable of handling a meaningful relationship with me before I invest too much emotionally.


I won't be hasty, I'll give you a try If you really bug me, then I'll say goodbye
I am open to giving you a chance, but I am also prepared to end things if they don't work out or if you don't meet my standards.


So here's a story from A to Z, you wanna get with me You gotta listen carefully
I'm going to explain exactly what I'm looking for in a partner, so listen closely if you want to pursue a relationship with me.


We got Em in the place who likes it in your face You got G like MC who likes it on an Easy V doesn't come for free, she's a real lady And as for me, you'll see
I and my friends each have different preferences and boundaries when it comes to relationships and it's important to respect them if you want to be with us.


Slam your body down, and wind it all around
Let's have some fun and dance together!


If you wanna be my lover, you gotta, you gotta, you gotta You gotta, you gotta, slam, slam, slam, slam (make it last forever)
If you want to pursue a long-term romantic relationship with me, you must be willing to put in effort and work hard to keep it going strong.


Slam your body down and zigazig ha
Let loose, have fun, and enjoy the playful and exciting moments of our relationship!




Writer(s): Geri Halliwell, Richard Frederick Stannard, Victoria Caroline Beckham, Larry Blackmon, Emma Lee Bunton, William A. Spence, Matt Rowe, bob, Gregory Bernard Johnson, Melanie Janine Brown, Brian Birthwright, Dave W. Warner, Melanie Chisholm, Junior Giscombe, Paul Prince

Contributed by Allison C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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