What I Want
by Morgan Wallen (featuring Tate McRae)

Album: I'm The Problem (2025)
Charted: 30 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "What I Want" is an emotional ballad where Morgan Wallen duets with Canadian pop singer Tate McRae. Recorded by Wallen or his fourth album, I'm the Problem, it marks the country juggernaut's first collaboration with a female singer.
  • The collaboration came about after Wallen's sister, Ashlyne, introduced him to Tate McRae's music. He became a fan and thought she'd add just the right dash of northern stardust to "What I Want," despite the tune being written in a male key. The two didn't meet in the studio, but Wallen insisted McRae "absolutely crushed every single part of the song."
  • This musical joint venture sparked considerable excitement and debate, especially among Tate McRae's fans, many of whom questioned her choice to team up with Morgan Wallen, given his history of controversy.
  • "What I Want" is an emotionally candid ballad where Wallen and McRae agree to a fleeting connection without the weight or risk of a deeper relationship. Both admit they are "already broke" and not looking to be fixed.

    Wallen and McRae trade verses, each willing to embrace a brief, no-strings-attached romance without expectation or regret.
  • McRae sneaks in a whispered "Calgary" on the bridge, nodding to her Canadian hometown, while Wallen answers with a barely audible "Knoxville" buried in the right channel at 2:31.
  • Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae wrote the song with frequent Wallen co-writers John Byron and Charlie Handsome, plus pop hit maker Jacob Kasher Hindlin ("Charlie Puth's "Attention," Maroon 5's "Memories") and Nashville writer-producer Joe Reeves (Lil Durk and Morgan Wallen's "Broadway Girls," Thomas Rhett's "Gone Country").
  • Longtime Wallen producer Joey Moi oversaw the track, with additional programming from Charlie Handsome. Moi's signature widescreen guitars anchor the mix, while Handsome layers trap-leaning percussion.
  • Radio programmers slotted "What I Want" simultaneously on pop and country playlists, a strategy Big Loud/Mercury intended to mirror the dual format success of Wallen's "Last Night."
  • "What I Want" debuted at #1 on the US Hot 100, giving Wallen his fourth chart-topper and McRae her first.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.