About the song
When it comes to the golden era of pop music, few bands stand out as prominently as Wham!. Formed by the dynamic duo George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, Wham! dominated the charts in the 1980s with their infectious pop melodies and charismatic performances. Among their numerous hits, “Everything She Wants” is a standout track that showcases the depth and versatility of the band’s musical prowess.
Released in 1984 as part of their second studio album, “Make It Big,” “Everything She Wants” quickly climbed the charts, becoming one of Wham!’s most beloved songs. The track is a compelling blend of pop and soul, characterized by its slick production, catchy hooks, and relatable lyrics. It’s a song that resonates with listeners even decades after its release, thanks to its timeless exploration of relationships and materialism.
George Michael, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for Wham!, poured his heart and soul into the lyrics of “Everything She Wants”. The song tells the story of a man who feels the pressure of his partner’s insatiable desires and expectations. The lyrics delve into themes of love, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of trying to meet someone’s ever-growing demands. Lines like “My God! I don’t even think that I love you” reflect the protagonist’s internal conflict and frustration, giving the song an emotional depth that many pop tracks of the time lacked.
Musically, “Everything She Wants” is a masterclass in 1980s pop production. The track opens with a distinctive bass line and crisp drum machine beats, setting a groove that’s both infectious and sophisticated. George Michael’s soulful vocal performance is the centerpiece, delivering each line with a mix of vulnerability and strength that draws the listener in. The chorus, with its layered harmonies and memorable melody, is a perfect example of Wham!’s ability to create pop hooks that are both catchy and meaningful.
The song’s production, overseen by George Michael himself, features a blend of electronic and acoustic elements that give it a polished yet warm sound. The use of synthesizers and drum machines is typical of the era, but the song’s arrangement and execution are anything but formulaic. Each element, from the rhythm section to the backing vocals, is meticulously crafted to enhance the song’s emotional impact.
“Everything She Wants” was not just a commercial success but also a critical one. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached the top ten in numerous other countries. Its success further cemented Wham!‘s status as pop royalty and showcased George Michael’s burgeoning talent as a songwriter and producer.
Even today, “Everything She Wants” remains a staple on retro playlists and continues to be appreciated by new generations of music lovers. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Wham! and the universal themes explored in their music. Whether you’re revisiting the song for nostalgic reasons or discovering it for the first time, “Everything She Wants” is a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.
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Lyrics
Ah, ha, haOh-oh, yeah‘Til you workSomebody told me“Boy, everything she wants is everything she sees”I guess I must have loved youBecause I said you were the perfect girl for meBaby, and now we’re six months olderAnd everything you want, and everything you seeIs out of reach, not good enoughI don’t know what the hell you want from me, ohUh-huh, uh-huh, oh-oh, oh-ohAh-ha, ah-ha, doo-doo-dooLa, la, la, la, laUh-huh, uh-huh, oh-oh, oh-ohAh-ha, ah-ha, doo-doo-dooLa, la, la, la, laSomebody tell me, ohWon’t you tell me?Why I work so hard for youGive you moneyWork to give you money (oh)Some people work for a livingSome people work for funGirl, I just work for youThey told me marriage was a give-and-takeWell, you’ve shown me you can take, you’ve got some giving to doAnd now you tell me that you’re having my babyI’ll tell you that I’m happy if you want me toBut one step further and my back will breakIf my best isn’t good enough, then how can it be good enough for two?Uh-huh, uh-huh, oh-oh, oh-ohAh-ha, ah-ha, doo-doo-dooI can’t work any harder than I do (la, la, la, la, la)Uh-huh, uh-huh, oh-oh, oh-ohAh-ha, ah-ha, doo-doo-dooLa, la, la, la, laSomebody tell me, ohWon’t you tell me?Why I work so hard for youGive you money (oh)Work to give you money (oh)Aw, why do I do the things I do?Tell you if I knewMy god, I don’t even think that I love you (la, la, la, la, la)Won’t you tell me?Give you moneyWork to give you money (oh-ah)Ah, oh, yeahTell meTell meHow could you settle for a boy like meWhen all I could see was the end of the week?All the things we sign, and the things we buyAin’t gonna keep us together, it’s just a matter of timeMy situation never changes walking in and out of that doorLike a stranger for the wagesI give you all, you say you want moreAnd all I could see was the end of the weekAll the things we sign, and the things we buyAin’t gonna keep us togetherGirl, it’s just a matter of timeWork, workWork, workLa, la, la, la, la (just a matter of)Uh-huh, uh-huh, oh-oh, oh-ohAh-ha, ah-ha, doo-doo-dooLa, la, la, la, laSomebody tell me, ohWon’t you tell me? (Somebody)Why I work so hard for youGive you money (oh)Work to give you money (oh)Somebody tell me, whoa-ohWon’t you tell me?Why I work so hard for youGive you money (oh)Work to give you money (oh)Somebody tell meWon’t you tell me? (Oh, please tell me…)Why I do the things that I doGive you moneyWork to give you money (oh)