Christina Aguilera’s “What a Girl Wants” was one of the biggest hits of 1999, quickly topping the charts in both America and the United Kingdom. The song has remained a fan favorite ever since. Its catchy melody and cheerful lyrics aren’t the only reasons for its success; the song’s deeper meaning speaks to people in various ways.
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The Story Behind the Song
Christina Aguilera co-wrote “What a Girl Wants” with writers Shane Stevens and Shelly Peiken. The inspiration for the song initially came from watching the popular television show, “The Cosby Show” as a child. Christina Aguilera was particularly struck by the relationship between Phylicia Rashad’s character, Clair Huxtable, and her on-screen husband Bill Cosby.
In an interview with MTV News, Christina Aguilera shared, “I always thought [Rashad] was so gorgeous and smart and funny and strong. She was kind of my idol, packing up and going to New York to become a lawyer. She was so different from other women that I saw on television. She always had these smart little quips and one-liners that I just thought were so great.”
The Meaning Behind the Song Lyrics
“What a Girl Wants” is all about the search to find true love and acceptance. It highlights the common desire for a supportive partner who values a woman’s one-of-a-kind qualities, quirks, and dreams. The song invites listeners to wish upon a star and believe in the possibility of true love. During the chorus, Christina Aguilera sings:
“All I want is someone to love me for who I am
I’m tired of people trying to make me change,
And who they want me to be.”
The lyrics deliver the message that every girl wants to feel loved for who they are without compromise.
Why Was the Song So Popular?
The song’s melody is upbeat, its lyrics are positive, and its message is empowering while addressing an issue that many women face every day. Christina Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals on the track quickly became a worldwide phenomenon and helped convey the song’s message to a wide range of listeners, from teenagers to adults. Additionally, the video for “What a Girl Wants” proved to be an incredibly effective marketing tool.
Did the Song Influence Pop Culture?
“What a Girl Wants” was widely accepted as an empowering anthem and received critical acclaim, especially from young girls who sought reassurance and inspiration growing up. Beyond the song’s success, it served as a blueprint for Christina Aguilera to grow into her role as a pop icon.
What Impact Did the Song Have on Christina Aguilera’s Career?
In 1999, Christina Aguilera’s “What a Girl Wants” placed her in the upper echelon of pop icons and played a crucial role in securing her position in the music industry. The song helped solidify her persona as an empowered, independent woman and continued to influence her subsequent work.
The Song’s Legacy
“What a Girl Wants” made its mark in pop culture history as one of the most iconic songs of the ’90s. Although written over two decades ago, its positive message and the hope of finding true love remain relevant to this day.
What Is Christina Aguilera Doing Now?
Christina Aguilera’s career is still going strong. She has continued to release new music, with her most recent album, “Liberation” debuting in 2018. She has also served as a coach on the hit show “The Voice,” and was given an exclusive residency at the Zappos Theatre in Las Vegas in 2019.
What Was the Inspiration Behind the Music Video?
The music video for “What a Girl Wants” depicts Christina as a princess, a nod to the classic fairytale where a prince rescues a damsel in distress. However, the video takes a more modern twist as Christina is seen leading the charge for her own rescue and forcing her way to the top. The message is clear: a ’90s princess is not just the object of a man’s affection and deserves to be in charge of her own fate.
What Were Critics’ Reactions to the Song?
The song received critical acclaim across the board, with critics praising the empowering lyrics and catchy melody. Billboard called the song “exuberant” and “undeniably catchy,” while Rolling Stone magazine said, “Christina Aguilera turns up the heat with her major label debut,” lauding the song’s upbeat tempo.
What was the Song’s Impact on the Music Industry?
The song was a game-changer in a time where pop music was primarily manufactured and sold primarily to teenagers. “What a Girl Wants” had an impact beyond the charts and proved that pop music could have a positive message and a meaningful impact.
Did the Song Win Any Awards?
“What a Girl Wants” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2000 in the Best Female Pop Vocal category. Christina Aguilera went on to win a Grammy for Best New Artist in the same year.
What Other Artists Covered “What a Girl Wants”?
Many artists and contestants on singing competition shows have covered “What a Girl Wants” over the years. More notably, rapper Cam’ron sampled the song in his 2002 hit, “Oh Boy” ft. Juelz Santana.
What Other Songs Can We Relate “What a Girl Wants” To?
There are several other songs similar in theme to “What a Girl Want.” Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger,” Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls),” and Whitney Houston’s “I’m Every Woman” all depict strong women refusing to compromise themselves for others’ acceptance and validation.
Conclusion
“What a Girl Wants” is a timeless classic that impacted not just Christina Aguilera’s career but also pop culture in general. It’s a reminder of the importance and beauty of being true to oneself while staying open to the possibility of finding true love. The song’s positive message continues to inspire listeners to this day, proving that music could have a lasting impact and meaning.
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