The song "You Got Nothin' I Want" by Jimmy Barnes is a rock song that conveys a message of independence and self-assurance. The lyrics depict a situation where someone is trying to please or manipulate the narrator but ultimately fails because they have nothing to offer. The repeated lines "You got nothin' I want, you got nothin' I need" emphasize the narrator's indifference towards the person's attempts to win them over. They express that they are not interested in material possessions, false promises, or empty gestures. The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's assertiveness and refusal to be controlled or influenced by the other person's actions. They don't want to hear lies or excuses and are not interested in maintaining a relationship or friendship. The line "Don't think you can push me too hard, 'cause you can't" suggests that the narrator is strong-willed and cannot be easily manipulated. The mention of money and time in the lyrics suggests that the other person may be trying to use their wealth or resources to win the narrator's favor. However, the narrator states that they have nothing better to do and their mind might be changed, indicating that their disinterest is not driven by a lack of options but rather by a genuine lack of desire for what the other person is offering. Overall, the song conveys a message of individuality, self-determination, and the refusal to be swayed or controlled by others. It presents a strong personality who knows what they want and need, and isn't willing to compromise for someone who has nothing to offer.
