"What Do You Want" by Jerrod Niemann is a song about a person who receives a phone call from their ex-lover. The narrator is confused about why their ex would reach out, especially if there is nothing new or important to discuss. The casual hello brings back strong emotions, and the narrator questions the intentions behind the call. The person on the other end may be trying to bring back the tears and evoke old memories, which only intensifies the pain for the narrator. It's a constant cycle of being taken back to a past they have already moved on from. The narrator pleads with their ex to understand the impact of these calls and asks what they truly want. Living in this constant state of emotional turmoil is exhausting for the narrator. They don't have the time or energy to dwell on the past, and their friends can only do so much to help distract them from thoughts of their ex-lover. The narrator wonders if their ex is calling to tell them that they have moved on and found someone new. However, the pain still lingers, making it feel like they are losing their ex all over again. The narrator questions if their ex understands the impact their actions have and asks for clarity on their intentions. The song also explores the vulnerability and desperation of the narrator. The ex-lover may be calling to seek physical comfort in moments of loneliness, which further confuses the narrator. They question if their ex wants them to say that they are content without them, or if they secretly wish they had stayed in the relationship. Ultimately, "What Do You Want" is a plea for honesty and closure. The narrator wants to understand their ex's motives and desires to move on from the pain and confusion. They are left wondering what the ex-lover truly wants from them.
