Peak
10
Weeks
30
Score
4,148
Chart Year
2010
The music video for "Whataya Want from Me" was directed by Diane Martel and shot on December 20, 2009.[39] It premiered on January 15, 2010, on VH1. The video features Lambert becoming frustrated with his partner, which the audience cannot see (Some of the times, the camera/screen is being the eyes of his partner). There are also performance clips throughout the video of Lambert performing with his band. One scene features Lambert making his way through a crowd of paparazzi and fans into a car. At the beginning of the song, Lambert switches the TV off, and then begins singing "slow it down, whataya want from me," leading one interpretation to be that what he was watching was actually the AMAs. Lambert himself explains in several interviews that this song is something that everyone can relate to: going through the stresses of a changing personal environment and its effects on a relationship.[citation needed] It is also a reflection of both his own personal life as a rock star as well as his relationship with his audience and fans. He can be seen having an argument throughout the video with the camera, presumably representing his significant other. In one scene, he walks away saying he has had it and his significant other packs their bags and leaves a frustrated Lambert alone and miserable. At the end of the video, he is shown very happily greeting the camera after waking up, hinting at a reconciliation. He also goes to explain in an interview with Pop Couture that the feel was intended to be more "accessible," unlike his "For Your Entertainment" video. This resulted in softer textures and less architectural styling, with the use of cotton and sweaters and the like.
This new-wave-ish ballad was penned by Pink, along with Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Johan Shellback. It was originally earmarked for Pink's Funhouse album, but didn't make it onto the record. Lambert told Entertainment Weekly: "It works on a relationship level, but I also relate to the sense of talking to the public. Like, 'This whole thing's a little freaked out, but please have faith in me, because I won't disappoint you.'" In 2010 Pink's recording was included on her first greatest hits compilation, Greatest Hits… So Far!!!. Much of the instrumentation is the same as on Lambert's version, however she tweaked the chorus, changing it from "It messed me up" to "He messed me up." Lambert recalled to The Hollywood Reporter: "I recorded 'Whataya Want From Me' on a day off from the Idols Live Arena tour and I was pretty wiped out due to the show schedule. I knew the song would be a key track on my album and it was my first time working with the incredible Max Martin and Shellback, so I was a bit apprehensive. The vocal ad libs at the end were the most challenging as they are quite high and it had been a long day. When I heard the first mix, I felt really confident the song would have success thanks to the flawless production."
Hey, slow it down Whataya want from me Whataya want from me Yeah, I'm afraid Whataya want from me Whataya want from me There might have been a time When I would give myself away (Ooh) Once upon a time I didn't give a damn But now here we are So whataya want from me Whataya want from me Just don't give up I'm workin' it out Please don't give in I won't let you down It messed me up, need a second to breathe Just keep coming around Hey, whataya want from me Whataya want from me Yeah, it's plain to see That baby you're beautiful And there's nothing wrong with you It's me I'm a freak But thanks for lovin' me 'Cause you're doing it perfectly There might have been a time When I would let you slip away I wouldn't even try but I think You could save my life Just don't give up I'm workin' it out Please don't give in I won't let you down It messed me up, need a second to breathe Just keep coming around Hey, whataya want from me Whataya want from me Whataya want from me Whataya want from me Just don't give up on me I won't let you down No, I won't let you down So Just don't give up I'm workin' it out Please don't give in I won't let you down It messed me up, need a second to breathe Just keep coming around Hey, whataya want from me Just don't give up I'm workin' it out Please don't give in I won't let you down It messed me up, need a second to breathe Just keep coming around Hey, whataya want from me (whataya want from me) Whataya want from me (whataya want from me) Whataya want from me
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 2, 2010 | 72 | 54 |
| 2 | Jan 9, 2010 | 68 | 58 |
| 3 | Jan 16, 2010 | 70 | 56 |
| 4 | Jan 23, 2010 | 65 | 61 |
| 5 | Jan 30, 2010 | 55 | 71 |
| 6 | Feb 6, 2010 | 37 | 89 |
| 7 | Feb 13, 2010 | 35 | 91 |
| 8 | Feb 20, 2010 | 35 | 91 |
| 9 | Feb 27, 2010 | 31 | 95 |
| 10 | Mar 6, 2010 | 28 | 98 |
| 11 | Mar 13, 2010 | 24 | 102 |
| 12 | Mar 20, 2010 | 25 | 101 |
| 13 | Mar 27, 2010 | 22 | 104 |
| 14 | Apr 3, 2010 | 21 | 105 |
| 15 | Apr 10, 2010 | 20 | 106 |
| 16 | Apr 17, 2010 | 23 | 103 |
| 17 | Apr 24, 2010 | 23 | 103 |
| 18 | May 1, 2010 | 10 | 116 |
| 19 | May 8, 2010 | 13 | 113 |
| 20 | May 15, 2010 | 18 | 108 |