What Do You Want From Me?

Album: Progress (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Mark Owen appeared on the March 11, 2010 cover of The Sun in a story that salaciously detailed his infidelities. He was given 24 hours beforehand to warn his wife Emma that the story would be running. Owen explained to Q magazine why he included this self-penned song on the record: "Even now part of me is going, Maybe it doesn't have to be on there. It's a song that's always going to be related to a time in my life that was very difficult. But there's another part of me that goes, It's something that I can move on from after that track. I spoke to Emma about it."

    The Q interviewer asked how she reacted. Owen replied: "Different ways, really. The thing is, the song was written before… everything came about. It was written as an optimistic song and then when everything happened it took on a different connotation. I have to keep reminding myself that it was written looking ahead at a future together. There's mixed feelings in my stomach and stuff about it. Do I need to put myself through that? But then it's good to confront things and be open. My hope for me, and my relationship with Emma, is in that song. I do want us to grow old together. I do fancy her. Those feelings are there. But it's difficult because of what it brings up."

Comments: 1

  • Angie from R.i.I have listened to many artist sing "What do you want from me" i do not hear the slang of the words running together.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.