“Take What You Want” is a track from Post Malone’s third studio album, Hollywood’s Bleeding, released on September 6, 2019. Featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott, the song is a genre-blending fusion of hip-hop, rock, and trap, running for approximately 3:49. Co-written by Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott, Andrew Watt, Billy Walsh, and Louis Bell, it combines Post Malone’s melodic crooning, Osbourne’s haunting vocals, and Scott’s atmospheric ad-libs with a heavy guitar riff and pulsating beat. The song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 10 in several countries, including Canada and Australia. Its lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and emotional exhaustion, delivered with a raw intensity that bridges the generational and stylistic gaps between the artists.
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Origin and Inspiration
The creation of Take What You Want emerged from an unexpected collaboration during the recording of Hollywood’s Bleeding in 2019. Post Malone, a rising star known for blending hip-hop, pop, and rock influences, was working with producer Andrew Watt, who had a history of collaborating with rock and pop artists. Watt, a fan of Ozzy Osbourne, suggested bringing the heavy metal legend into the studio, seeing an opportunity to merge Osbourne’s iconic sound with Post Malone’s modern sensibilities. Travis Scott, a leading figure in trap music, was also brought on board to add his signature atmospheric style, creating a unique fusion of genres.
The inspiration for the song came from a combination of personal experiences and creative experimentation. Post Malone, whose real name is Austin Richard Post, was navigating the pressures of fame and personal relationships at the time, themes that permeate Hollywood’s Bleeding. In a 2019 interview, he described the album as a reflection of his struggles with love, loss, and the hedonistic lifestyle of Hollywood, and Take What You Want specifically channels the pain of a toxic relationship. Ozzy Osbourne’s involvement was sparked by his admiration for Post Malone’s raw, emotional delivery and his desire to explore new musical territory. At 70 years old, Osbourne was in a reflective phase of his career, having released Scream in 2010 and continuing to tour with Ozzfest. His participation was also motivated by his work with Andrew Watt on his upcoming album Ordinary Man (2020), which marked his return to recording after a decade.
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The collaboration was facilitated by Watt, who played a pivotal role in bridging the artists’ styles. He crafted the song’s heavy guitar riff, inspired by Osbourne’s classic sound, while incorporating trap-inspired beats and electronic textures to align with Post Malone and Travis Scott’s aesthetics. Osbourne recorded his parts in a single day, bringing his signature intensity to the track. The song’s creation was also influenced by the cultural moment, as hip-hop and rock crossovers were gaining traction in the late 2010s, with artists like Post Malone and Lil Peep blending genres to appeal to diverse audiences. Take What You Want was released as a single to capitalize on this trend, showcasing the power of collaboration across generations and styles.
Lyrical Content and Themes
The lyrics of Take What You Want are a raw exploration of heartbreak, betrayal, and emotional depletion, delivered through the distinct voices of Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, and Travis Scott. The song opens with Post Malone’s introspective verse: “I feel you crumble in my arms down to your heart of stone / You bled me dry just like the tears you never show.” These lines set a tone of emotional vulnerability, depicting a relationship where one partner is cold and unyielding, draining the other’s spirit. The “heart of stone” imagery suggests emotional unavailability, while “bled me dry” conveys a sense of being used and discarded, a theme that resonates with Post Malone’s experiences with toxic relationships.
The chorus, led by Post Malone, is both defiant and resigned: “Take what you want, take what you want and go.” The repetition of this phrase reflects a surrender to the inevitability of loss, as if the narrator is allowing their partner to take everything—emotionally and materially—before walking away. The simplicity of the chorus makes it anthemic, with Post Malone’s melodic delivery amplifying its emotional weight. The line “Why don’t you take what you want from me?” carries a tone of exasperation, suggesting a relationship marked by one-sided sacrifice.
Ozzy Osbourne’s verse is a standout, bringing a darker, more intense perspective: “I took the pills for these empty nights / ‘Cause it gets me through the pain.” His gravelly, haunting vocals evoke his own struggles with addiction and mental health, adding depth to the song’s themes. The reference to “pills” and “empty nights” recalls Osbourne’s battles with substance abuse, while the line “You took my heart and left me cold” mirrors Post Malone’s sentiments of betrayal, creating a seamless connection between their experiences. Osbourne’s contribution adds a raw, heavy metal edge, grounding the song in his signature emotional intensity.
Travis Scott’s verse and ad-libs complement the track with a more abstract, atmospheric vibe: “Runnin’ from the issues, I’m in my bag / She took my heart and ran with it, I’m in my feels.” His delivery is introspective yet detached, reflecting his signature style of blending vulnerability with a cool, almost otherworldly persona. The phrase “in my bag” suggests being consumed by one’s emotions or mindset, while “in my feels” echoes the song’s theme of grappling with heartbreak. Scott’s presence adds a modern trap sensibility, with his auto-tuned vocals and ad-libs creating a layered, cinematic feel.
The song’s bridge, featuring a blend of Post Malone and Osbourne’s voices, intensifies the emotional climax: “I’m so sick of running from the truth / I’m so tired of running from you.” This moment of honesty captures the exhaustion of avoiding reality, whether it’s the pain of a failed relationship or the broader struggles of life. The interplay of their voices—Post Malone’s melodic croon and Osbourne’s gritty wail—creates a powerful contrast, emphasizing the universal nature of the song’s themes.
Musically, Take What You Want is a dynamic blend of genres. Andrew Watt’s heavy guitar riff, reminiscent of Osbourne’s classic sound, drives the song, while Louis Bell’s production incorporates trap-inspired hi-hats and booming bass. The arrangement shifts between Post Malone’s melodic verses, Osbourne’s intense bridge, and Scott’s atmospheric outro, creating a cohesive yet diverse sound. The track’s energy builds to a climactic finish, with layered vocals and instrumentation that amplify its emotional impact.
Music Video and Cultural Impact
The music video for Take What You Want, directed by Karena Evans, enhances the song’s emotional and stylistic fusion. It features Post Malone performing in a dimly lit, industrial setting, with Osbourne and Travis Scott appearing in surreal, dreamlike sequences. The video alternates between gritty performance shots and abstract visuals, including imagery of fire, shattered glass, and desolate landscapes, reflecting the song’s themes of heartbreak and destruction. Osbourne’s scenes, with his commanding presence and intense delivery, pay homage to his heavy metal roots, while Scott’s ethereal visuals align with his trap aesthetic. The video received significant airplay on MTV and YouTube, resonating with fans across genres.
The song’s release in 2019 marked a significant moment in the trend of genre-blending collaborations. Post Malone’s ability to bridge hip-hop, rock, and pop made Take What You Want a standout track, appealing to both Osbourne’s longtime fans and younger audiences drawn to Malone and Scott. Its chart success and critical acclaim, including praise for its innovative fusion, underscored the power of cross-generational collaborations. The song was featured in media like Spotify playlists and live performances, including Post Malone’s 2019 Hollywood’s Bleeding tour, where Osbourne occasionally joined him on stage to perform it.
The track also highlighted Osbourne’s enduring relevance, as his contribution brought a heavy metal edge to a mainstream hit, introducing his voice to a new generation. Its inclusion in Hollywood’s Bleeding, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, cemented its cultural impact, while its emotional resonance made it a fan favorite for those navigating heartbreak and betrayal.
Musical Composition and Performance
The musical composition of Take What You Want is a masterful blend of hip-hop, rock, and trap. Andrew Watt’s guitar riff, heavy and melodic, opens the song and sets its intense tone, evoking Osbourne’s classic sound. Louis Bell’s production layers trap-inspired beats, with booming bass and crisp hi-hats, creating a modern edge. The song’s structure is dynamic, with Post Malone’s melodic verses, Osbourne’s powerful bridge, and Scott’s atmospheric outro creating a cohesive yet varied sound.
Post Malone’s vocals are emotive and versatile, shifting between crooning and rapping, while Osbourne’s gritty, soaring delivery adds a raw intensity. Travis Scott’s auto-tuned ad-libs and verse provide a dreamy, atmospheric contrast. The rhythm section, with programmed drums and subtle bass, supports the track’s energy, while the guitar-driven climax amplifies its emotional peak. The production balances the artists’ distinct styles, creating a track that feels both fresh and rooted in Osbourne’s heavy metal legacy.