Evanescence - What You Want

Evanescence - What You Want - Meaning of the song

The first single from Evanescence's self-titled third studio album finally saw the light of day in the summer of 2011, four years after the band's previous single release, "Good Enough." Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee penned the song at her house in New York with bassist Tim McCord and guitarist Terry Balsamo. She told MTV News:

"We were just jamming, like, recording demos, and obviously the song has grown a lot since then, with everyone else. For me, it was - and I need to remember this, so I can apply it in the future - it wasn't trying so hard to be some epic, massive chorus. I was just doodling around on the piano and the guys were like, 'Do that. Whatever you just did, that's an awesome melody.' And I was like, 'Really?' Sometimes you just need your friends to be like, 'Do that!'"

Lee explained:

"It's about freedom - that's definitely a constant theme on the record - but, it's like Evanescence, and me, and my relationship with the music and the fans, and coming to that [realization] of 'This is what I'm supposed to do ... I want to do this,'" she said. "And when it says, 'Remember who you really are,' that's exactly everything you could assume it means."

The song features strings arranged by Beck's father, David Campbell, who has also worked with Adam Lambert, Metallica and My Chemical Romance, amongst others. He also previously collaborated with Amy Lee and co on The Open Door.

What You Want - Lyrics

Do what you, what you want If you have a dream for better Do what you, what you want 'til you don’t want it anymore (remember who you really are) Do what you, what you want Your world’s closing in on you now (it isn’t over) Stand and face the unknown (got to remember who you really are) Every heart in my hands Like a pale reflection Hello, hello, remember me? I’m everything you can’t control Somewhere beyond the pain There must be a way to believe We can break through Do what you, what you want You don’t have to lay your life down (it isn’t over) Do what you, what you want ‘til you find what you’re looking for (got to remember who you really are) But every hour slipping by Screams that I have failed you Hello, hello, remember me? I’m everything you can’t control Somewhere beyond the pain There must be a way to believe Hello, hello, remember me? I’m everything you can’t control Somewhere beyond the pain There must be a way to believe There’s still time Close your eyes Only love will guide you home Tear down the walls and free your soul ‘Til we crash We’re forever spiraling Down, down, down, down Hello, hello It’s only me infecting everything you love Somewhere beyond the pain There must be a way to believe Hello, hello, remember me? I’m everything you can’t control Somewhere beyond the pain There must be a way to learn forgiveness Hello, hello, remember me? I’m everything you can’t control Somewhere beyond the pain There must be a way to believe We can break through Remember who you really are Do what you, what you want

Evanescence - What You Want - Live