For this cultural artifact discussion, We decided to focus on the significance of the song “Royals” - co-written and performed by 17 year old singer-songwriter Lorde. The song has become popular , crossing-over from New Zealand to America in the past few months. Upon first hearing the song, you can establish that it is a catchy song because of the simple beat that is heard throughout the entire song. You may not understand instantly what Lorde is saying within the verses, but after listening to it a few more times it becomes clear that the intent of this song is to bash the system that is brain- washing us. Lorde's voice is no different from any other pop voice the general public hears today, but the message behind this song is sure to offend our representatives in pop culture. It is clear through the lyrics that Lorde is representing those people who do not care about the care-free, luxurious lives of celebrities, including herself. She makes references to that of Beyonce and Miley Cyrus, stating in her lyrics “You can call me Queen Bee (Beyonce) and Baby Ill rule... Let me live that fantasy” (Chorus). Lorde references these artists to announce that we hold these celebrities on a pedestal because they enforce into our minds that we can all live these luxurious lives and act with a care-free attitude because there won't be any penalty. It has become so common for these celebrities to have these lifestyles that it almost seems mandatory in pop culture for them to live that way. What Lorde is saying in her song “Royals” is that there are people in this world who do not care to live that lifestyle, nor do they care about the celebrities that live that lifestyle. “And will never be royal (royal)” Everyone cannot live the luxurious life and that's what pop culture is leading the general public to believe. In effect people will try to live as similar to a celebrity as possible.
This artifact was chosen because this has taken a toll on pop culture. For Lorde she has been labeled as a feminist and many other social titles because of the meanings behind her songs and who she references within her music. Compared to most pop stars presented in the music industry right now, Lorde is possibly one of the most exceptional pop stars in terms of her songs. Lorde was able to lure the pop culture into a trap which allowed her to ridicule the fantasy lifestyles and publicize that there are people in this world who have cracked the code and realized we can not all live that life and it's okay if aren't. We will never be royals.
There is still this idea that artists in pop culture are enforcing into our minds that we should live the luxurious lives and by listening to performers like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna we can receive instruction from how they act in their videos and in their everyday lives. It is a system for these modern pop stars, they have to brag about their luxurious lives and represent their hometowns in their music... they have to dress in name brand clothing , and if they are in a relationship it is important to stay open to the public about the quality of the relationship. People who are absorbed by this are those very people who raise these celebrities up on a pedestal and empower them to believe that they are near invincible. Thankfully Lorde was able to send out this rebelling message. She used the components of a average, simple pop song” and altered it with her empowering lyrics, letting these pop stars know that everyone does not hold them above their heads.
No comments:
Post a Comment