Have you ever tried to change yourself to fit ‘better’ into someone else’s ideal? And we’re not talking about abstract ad campaigns, but real people. Perhaps you weren’t into some singer, filmmaker or style of clothing, but decided you could hide it and pretend to please another person. Well, that time is over! But no worries, this is a judgement-free zone. Singer-songwriter Grace Kay did that too for some time, but she’s freed herself from that pressure, and sings about it in What You Wanted, her new single.
Bridging pop and country, the LA-based artist’s new song “pairs a playful, satirical tone with a deeper reflection on the habit of people-pleasing,” she says. “It explores the ways I’ve tried to mould myself into what I thought others wanted — only to realise that version of me wasn’t serving anyone. I chose the title as an ironic twist on the repeated lyric ‘Not what you wanted,’ capturing the disconnect between intention and reality. This song matters to me because it lets me name that pattern, poke fun at it, and move on with a little more clarity — and a lot more honesty.”
With this, Kay’s approach becomes even more relatable, and let’s face it, it’s a healthy way to deal with mistakes made in the past. There is emotional honesty wrapped in groovy drums, a tight bassline, and gleaming synths. Her candid voice resonates softly yet confidently as she sings “And I’m not what you wanted / Not what you wanted me to be” in the chorus, and accepting it.