What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)

Album: I’m The Problem

Stream

What I Want (feat. Tate McRae) Lyrics by Morgan Wallen

She said, “You don’t want this heart, boy, it’s already broke”
Told me everything she touch just goes up in smoke
Only stay a couple nights, then she gon’ be gone
I said, “Baby, you should know that’s what I want”
That’s what I want, that’s what I want
That’s what I want, that’s what I want, that’s what I want
What I want

And you ain’t gotta worry ’bout no trust issues with me
I got ’em too, I got ’em too
You ain’t gotta worry ’bout no exes that’s crazy
I got ’em too, you know I do

If you’re in a hurry
Nah, you ain’t gonna hurt me tonight
And it won’t be the worst thing
If this is all it is
And in the middle of a kiss

There are no hard feelings if you only wanna act like lovers do
For a night or two
Ooh, oh yeah
And sometimes in the mornin’ go back to bein’ someone you never knew
You never knew

Baby, don’t you worry, you ain’t gonna hurt me tonight
It won’t be the worst thing
If this is all it is
Then she kissed me again

And said, “You don’t want this heart, boy, it’s already broke”
Told me everything she touch just goes up in smoke
Only stay a couple nights, then she gon’ be gone
I said, “Baby, you should know that’s what I want”

She said, “You don’t want this heart, nah, it can’t be fixed
And I ain’t ready to try on a night like this
But if you still wanna stay, there ain’t nothin’ wrong”
There’s nothin’ wrong
I said, “Baby, you should know that’s what I want”
That’s what I want, that’s what I want
That’s what I want, that’s what I want, that’s what I want
That’s what I want
Yeah
That’s what I want, that’s what I want, that’s what I want
Yeah
That’s what I want
Oh yeah, oh
That’s what I want, that’s what I want

About "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"

Song Meaning

Song Background

“What I Want” is a 2025 country-pop ballad by Morgan Wallen featuring Canadian pop artist Tate McRae, released on May 16, 2025, as the fifth single from Wallen’s fourth studio album I’m the Problem. The emotionally driven track explores the complexities of a temporary relationship between two people carrying emotional baggage, ultimately realizing they can’t give each other what they truly need. Originally not intended as a duet, Wallen brought McRae on board after being introduced to her music by his sister, and although they didn’t record the song together, their voices blend seamlessly in the final version. The song, described as a crooning ballad with subtle hip-hop influences, became an instant success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100—Wallen’s fourth and McRae’s first chart-topper. Despite some fan backlash toward McRae due to Wallen’s controversial past, critics praised the collaboration, noting the chemistry between their vocals and the track’s modern, emotionally rich production. “What I Want” stands out as a powerful narrative on desire, vulnerability, and letting go.

Interpretation & Fan Theories

In “What I Want,” Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae embody two people tangled in a relationship built on temporary comfort rather than lasting connection. The song reflects the emotional push and pull of wanting someone to fill a void—even when deep down, you know they’re not the right person. Both artists express vulnerability, sharing verses that reveal they’re trying to escape loneliness or heartache, not truly seeking love.

Song credits for Morgan Wallen – What I Want (feat. Tate McRae) Lyrics

Producer: Charlie Handsome and Joey Moi.

Writers: Morgan Wallen, Tate McRae, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak, John Byron, and Joe Reeves.

Composer: Charlie Handsome and Joey Moi.

Release Date: 2025-05-16

Featured Artists: Tate McRae

Q&A Section

Have a question about this song? Here are some answers.

Where to listen to "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"

Click here to stream the song

Who is the artist of "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"?

Morgan Wallen

When was "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)" released?

2025-05-16

What album includes "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"?

I’m The Problem

What is the meaning of "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"?

Stay tuned! We're working on an explanation for this song.

Who is the artist of "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"?

Morgan Wallen

When was "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)" released?

2025-05-16

What album includes "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"?

I’m The Problem

Where can I listen to "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"?

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m7ebZ6lrVAuYpsV3W1kUm66JRCC8sqTo8&si=XxnhXe6c9rjy0WRp

What is the meaning of "What I Want (feat. Tate McRae)"?

Morgan Wallen’s “What I Want” explores the internal conflict between desire and self-awareness. In the song, Wallen reflects on chasing short-term pleasures—like late nights, casual flings, or distractions—that momentarily feel like what he wants. But deep down, he admits they don’t satisfy the emptiness he’s carrying. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who’s trying to outrun pain or regret, perhaps from a lost love or a past mistake. Even as he indulges in vices or distractions, he knows that they’re not really what he needs. The line between want and need becomes blurred. Overall, the song is about the struggle to be honest with yourself—realizing that what you’re chasing isn’t fulfilling, even though it’s tempting in the moment. It’s a vulnerable, relatable message wrapped in a smooth country melody: you can have everything that looks good on the outside, and still not feel whole inside.