Released: 2021
Lil Nas X’s “THATS WHAT I WANT” is a vivid, heartfelt plea for love and connection in a world that feels increasingly isolating. The song combines the rapper’s signature knack for catchy hooks with a deeply personal narrative about the desire for a loving, supportive relationship. It’s a raw exposition of the universal need for affection and the fear of loneliness, wrapped in the contemporary language and sound of hip-hop and pop.
The opening lines “Need a boy who can cuddle with me all night / Keep me warm, love me long, be my sunlight” set the stage for the song’s overarching theme: a quest for emotional warmth and stability. This isn’t just about physical closeness; it’s a yearning for someone who can be a source of light in dark times. When Lil Nas X talks about wanting someone to “Tell me lies, we can argue, we can fight,” it’s an acknowledgment of the complexity of relationships. It’s not the absence of conflict he’s after, but the presence of someone who’s willing to navigate through it with him.
The mention of “An afro, black boy with the gold teeth / With dark skin, looking at me like he know me” adds layers of specificity and personal desire. It’s not just any partner he’s seeking, but someone who shares or complements his identity and experiences. The line “I wonder if he got the G or the B” subtly hints at the complexities of dating within the LGBTQ+ community, navigating attraction, and figuring out potential partners’ sexual orientations without stereotypes.
One of the song’s most poignant lines, “I want someone who love me / I need someone who needs me,” reflects a reciprocal longing. It’s not just about finding love but about finding someone who also finds a meaningful connection in you. The repetition of “These days, I’m way too lonely” underscores the consistent theme of isolation and the craving to break free from it with genuine companionship.
Lil Nas X also addresses the modern-day challenges of finding love in lines like, “Look, you know it’s harder to find in these times.” It’s a nod to how digital culture, despite its promise of connectivity, can often exacerbate feelings of seclusion. Yet, amidst this struggle, he holds onto hope, expressing a desire for someone who can offer both emotional support and intellectual stimulation (“But your loving, your body, and a little bit of your brain”).
As the song marches towards its chorus, the repeated exclamation “that’s what I fucking want” serves as a powerful, defiant statement of his needs and desires. It’s a refusal to be ashamed of wanting deep, meaningful love, a sentiment that resonates with many who feel marginalized or misunderstood in their quest for connection.
In essence, “THATS WHAT I WANT” is a rallying cry for love, companionship, and understanding in an increasingly disconnected world. Through Lil Nas X’s candid lyrics and infectious sound, he not only exposes his own vulnerabilities but also taps into a universal longing for emotional connection and acceptance.
