When Veruca Says

The song "When Veruca Says" from the musical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a vivid portrayal of the spoiled and demanding nature of Veruca Salt, one of the children who wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of Veruca's father, who is constantly trying to satisfy her insatiable demands. The repetition of commands like "More!", "Now!", and "Again!" highlights Veruca's relentless pursuit of instant gratification and her father's desperate attempts to keep up with her whims.

Veruca's father is depicted as a man who is entirely subservient to his daughter's wishes, willing to go to extreme lengths to make her happy. The lyrics mention how he buys another store, sweats under pressure, and even commands his workers to shell thousands of Wonka bars to find a golden ticket. This dynamic showcases the unhealthy relationship between Veruca and her father, where her every desire is met without question, leading to a cycle of continuous demands and temporary satisfaction.

The song also touches on themes of materialism and the consequences of overindulgence. Veruca's desire for a golden ticket and even outlandish requests like buying North Korea illustrate her belief that everything can be obtained with money. Her father's compliance only reinforces this belief, creating a sense of entitlement and lack of appreciation for the value of things. The song ends on a note of exhaustion, with Veruca's father praying for a brief respite before the cycle of demands begins anew the next day. This highlights the unsustainable nature of their relationship and the toll it takes on those who try to appease her.