Bruno Mars is a global sensation known for making music that gets people moving, feeling, and definitely singing along. While his songs often celebrate life, love, and good vibes, his 2017 hit “That’s What I Like” takes listeners on a lyrical and rhythmic journey through luxury, romance, and indulgence. On the surface, it’s an anthem for the finer things in life. But beneath its sparkling exterior lies a deeper commentary on generosity, connection, and the joy of shared experiences.
If you’ve found yourself humming along to “gold jewelry shinin’ so bright” or dreaming of “strawberry champagne on ice,” you’re not alone. Let’s break down the song’s lyrics and discover the meaning behind this Grammy-winning track.
The Meaning of “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like” is a celebration of luxury, romance, and unapologetic desire. The song highlights a lifestyle filled with fine dining, exotic travel, and extravagant indulgences, while also portraying a deep longing to share these experiences with a partner. Through its upbeat groove and smooth delivery, it conveys a sense of charm and confidence, emphasizing not just material wealth but the joy of giving and creating memorable moments with someone special. It’s a testament to living life to the fullest while expressing love in lavish yet heartfelt ways.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Ayy, ayy, ayy
I got a condo in Manhattan
Baby girl, what’s happenin’?
You and your ass invited
So go on and get to clappin’
So pop it for a player
Pop, pop it for me
Turn around and drop it for a player
Drop, drop it for me
I’ll rent a beach house in Miami (-ami)
Wake up with no jammies (Nope)
Lobster tail for dinner
Julio, serve that scampi (Julio!)
You got it if you want it
Got, got it if you want it
Said, you got it if you want it
Take my wallet if you want it now
[Pre-Chorus]
Jump in the Cadillac, girl, let’s put some miles on it
Anything you want, just to put a smile on it
You deserve it, baby, you deserve it all
And I’m gonna give it to you
[Chorus]
Gold jewelry shinin’ so bright
Strawberry champagne on ice
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
Sex by the fire at night
Silk sheets and diamonds all white
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
[Verse 2]
I’m talkin’ trips to Puerto Rico (Bih)
Say the word and we go (Say it)
You can be my freaka (Brrrt!)
Girl, I’ll be your fleeko, Mamacita
I will never make a promise that I can’t keep
I promise that your smile ain’t gon’ ever leave
Shoppin’ sprees in Paris
Everything 24 karats
Take a look in that mirror
Now, tell me, who’s the fairest?
Is it you? (Is it you?) Is it me? (Is it me?)
Say it’s us (Say it’s us) and I’ll agree, baby
[Pre-Chorus]
Jump in the Cadillac, girl, let’s put some miles on it
Anything you want, just to put a smile on it
You deserve it, baby, you deserve it all
And I’m gonna give it to you
[Chorus]
Gold jewelry shinin’ so bright
Strawberry champagne on ice
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
Sex by the fire at night
Silk sheets and diamonds all white
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like
[Bridge]
You say you want a good time
Well, here I am, baby, here I am, baby
Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me, baby
Tell me, what’s on your mind? (What’s on your mind?)
If you want it, girl, come and get it
All this is here for you
Tell me, baby, tell me, tell me, baby
What you tryna do?
[Chorus]
Gold jewelry shinin’ so bright
Strawberry champagne on ice
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like (That’s what I like, babe)
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like (Oh, oh)
Sex by the fire at night
Silk sheets and diamonds all white (All white)
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like (That’s what I like, babe)
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
An Anthem of Extravagance and Romance
“That’s What I Like” is often described as a love letter translated into musical form. Bruno sets the stage with vivid imagery of grand gestures, exotic trips, and mouth-watering meals. But is the song just about luxury? Not exactly. While it celebrates indulgence, the heart of the lyrics is about how these luxuries are meant to express love and appreciation for someone special.
Take the opening lines in Verse 1:
“I got a condo in Manhattan, baby girl, what’s happenin’?
You and your ass invited, so go on and get to clappin’.”
Bruno instantly establishes an invitation to share in life’s pleasures. It’s not about him keeping the spoils for himself; it’s about creating shared experiences. The use of casual, conversational language underscores his approachable demeanor, making even grandiose displays of wealth feel personal and sincere.
Meanwhile, his mention of specific indulgences—like “lobster tail for dinner” and “beach houses in Miami”—paints a vivid picture of affluence designed to bring happiness to someone he cares about.
Key Takeaway
Materialism is not the point here. Instead, it highlights how sharing and generosity—whether through lavish gifts or simple gestures—nurtures relationships.
The Chorus as a Celebration of Desire
The song’s standout feature is arguably the iconic chorus:
“Gold jewelry shinin’ so bright
Strawberry champagne on ice
Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like.”
This repetitive hook works not just because it’s catchy, but because it emphasizes the idea of alignment. Bruno sings about delivering exactly what his partner likes, emphasizing the joy he finds in knowing and fulfilling their desires. The word “lucky” implies that the act of giving is mutually rewarding—his partner feels cherished, and he gains fulfillment through making them happy.
The imagery in this section is particularly striking. Gold jewelry, champagne, silk sheets, and diamonds evoke a sense of timeless elegance. But it’s worth noting that these luxuries are paired with a more intimate and relatable setting—“sex by the fire at night.” This balance between the extravagant and the emotional is what makes “That’s What I Like” universally appealing.
Key Takeaway
The chorus captures the balance between outward indulgence and deeper emotional fulfillment. It’s not just what Bruno offers—it’s about making his partner feel lucky and valued.
Exploring the Promises in Verse 2
Moving into Verse 2, Bruno continues to charm his hypothetical partner with exciting promises:
“I’m talkin’ trips to Puerto Rico,
Say the word and we go.
You can be my freaka, girl, I’ll be your fleeko, Mamacita.”
Here, he presents himself as both a romantic and a loyal companion who is ready to go above and beyond for his partner. The playful language (“freaka,” “fleeko”) reinforces the fun, spontaneous vibe he’s going for. Once again, material possessions like shopping sprees in Paris and 24-karat jewelry are symbols of his devotion.
But there’s something deeper lurking in the lines, “I will never make a promise that I can’t keep / I promise that your smile ain’t gon’ never leave.” This is where Bruno switches gears from lighthearted promises to something more meaningful. He’s not just offering a temporary fix of fun and thrills—he’s offering reliability, loyalty, and a commitment to seeing his partner happy in the long term.
Key Takeaway
While lavish gifts are great, the real treasure in this verse is emotional security and trust. Bruno shows that relationships thrive not just on excitement, but on reliability.
What the Bridge Says About Connection
One of the most emotional parts of the song comes in the Bridge, where Bruno opens the floor to his partner:
“You say you want a good time
Well, here I am, baby, here I am, baby
Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me, baby
Tell me, what’s on your mind?”
This section strips away the materialistic undertones and focuses entirely on connection. By asking his partner to “talk to me,” Bruno reinforces the importance of communication in relationships. The message here is simple but powerful—true luxury is being present for someone, listening to them, and finding joy in understanding their needs and desires.
Key Takeaway
At its core, love isn’t just about giving material things. It’s about showing up, actively listening, and being emotionally available to the other person.
The Intersection of Music and Romance
“That’s What I Like” pulls off a rare feat in modern pop music—it creates a space where lighthearted fun and emotional depth coexist beautifully. On one hand, it’s the perfect track to dance to, filled with playful rhythms and infectious energy. On the other hand, the lyrics showcase a genuine understanding of what people look for in relationships—generosity, reliability, communication, and intimacy.
Bruno Mars’s knack for blending these elements solidifies his reputation as a master of crafting songs that resonate universally. Whether you’re drawn to the glitz and glamour or the emotional sincerity, “That’s What I Like” has something for everyone.
Why This Song Matters
The song isn’t just a declaration of love—it’s a call to action, encouraging listeners to consider how they express their appreciation for others. Whether through simple acts of kindness or grand gestures, it reminds us that what truly matters is making the other person feel seen, valued, and loved.
Final Thoughts on “That’s What I Like”
Bruno Mars’s “That’s What I Like” is more than just a chart-topping hit; it’s a nuanced exploration of what it means to give and connect in a relationship. While the lavish lifestyles and bold promises may grab attention, the true essence of the song lies in its celebration of generosity, loyalty, and emotional intimacy.
If there’s one thing we can take away from this track, it’s this—love isn’t about how much you spend, but about how much effort, thought, and care you’re willing to give.
Feeling inspired by Bruno’s blend of romance and artistry? Give “That’s What I Like” another listen and reflect on the ways you can bring both joy and connection into the lives of those you care about.