The Meaning of 'Can’t Always Get What You Want but If You Try You Might Get What You Need'

Often found in the lyrics of the Rolling Stones' hit song Start Me Up, the phrase "Can’t always get what you want but if you try you might get what you need" carries a profound meaning that extends far beyond its original context. The song's message speaks to the essence of life’s journey and the rewarding nature of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

This idea reflects a broader life lesson: that pursuing goals and desires can often lead to unexpected opportunities or insights, even if the final result is not what you initially envisioned. The journey itself can be just as valuable as the destination. This notion emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the potential for growth and positive outcomes from striving for what you want.

Resilience and Adaptability

The phrase underscores the concept of resilience and adaptability. Whether it is in the context of chasing a dream, advancing in a career, or making personal decisions, the journey towards one’s goals can often yield unexpected positive results. For example, a job seeker who has interviewed for a position and was not selected might find during that process that they developed new skills or connected with valuable network members, leading to even better opportunities down the line.

Unexpected Opportunities

In many cases, the “what you need” is not just what you initially wanted. Sometimes, what you think you need is actually what you don’t want. For instance, a young artist who was struggling financially might have deemed financial success as their primary goal. However, through their struggles, they might have discovered a passion for community involvement or realized the value in their art, leading them to a more fulfilled and meaningful life.

The Need and the Want

The concept of "what you need" versus "what you want" also touches on the importance of self-awareness. It suggests that sometimes, the world or a higher power (often metaphorically represented by "universe" or "God") may provide better outcomes than what we initially seek. This idea is encapsulated in the quote, "Everything is happened with reason," which reinforces the belief that any outcome, good or bad, has a purpose.

Lessons from Life

The song’s lyrics can also serve as a reminder that what we want is not always what we need. Sometimes, what we desire might not benefit us in the long run, and the universe or divine will might intervene to guide us towards the best outcome. This is often seen in the experiences of many individuals who, in retrospect, have realized that the things they did not get in life turned out to be better than what they initially pursued.

For example, a young person who might have chanced upon a high-paying job offer could have ended up sacrificing their health, relationships, and overall well-being. In the long run, a less lucrative but more fulfilling career path might have been the better choice. Such experiences often lead to a greater appreciation for the importance of choosing what truly aligns with one’s values and long-term happiness.

Conclusion

In essence, the phrase "Can’t always get what you want but if you try you might get what you need" reflects the complex and often surprising nature of life’s journey. It encourages perseverance, self-reflection, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. While it is true that sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may not get what we want, the journey itself can be rewarding. This belief fosters a sense of resilience and adaptability, suggesting that the path to fulfillment may not always be what we initially planned, but ultimately, it can be more enriching and meaningful.