Beyonce Knowles - "Pretty Hurts"

I chose to do a song and it was VERY hard to choose only ONE song. So many songs and I love music and I have so many favorite songs; and it came down to choosing between my two favorite artist. However I chose Beyonce Knowles. With multiple awards; world wide recognition when the name Beyonce is mentioned people know who she is. Beyonce is known for putting out anthems that women can relate to; A giant mission she set out to accomplish with her music is to empower women. Being beautiful, talented and dedicated she has been accomplishing this mission. She says things that women may want to say but dont know how to say; shows women that whatever size you are color or etc you are a beautiful woman and are capable or whatever you want to accomplish  and much more; she positively aims toward women. However she leaves noone out. Her music is for everyone when you listen to her lyrics. She speaks of different situations that anyone going through the situation or feel like the song fits them can relate to. The song I chose to do was one of Beyonces meaningful songs with a message "Pretty Hurts".

In "Pretty Hurts", Beyonce is arguing how the importance of outer appearance is portrayed as better, more acceptable and whats looked at rather than whats inside someone. She argues how it's not only in society but it's at home as well! "Pretty Hurts" was released December of 2013. The first verse starting off seems as if the outer appearance being the importance and main focus starts at home with your own family. "Mama says your a pretty girl, what's in your head it doesn't matter" This is molding a little girl to believe that what she looks like is more important then how she thinks, what she thinks, even as far as to say her education level and etc to more. Just as long as she looks good that's what matters. Then the pre-hook and hook goes on to continue that continuing to do these pageants or being in the position where your portrayed as the best; or the prettiest or whatever the contest is then your pain will go away you will be so determined to win that's what will matter.  The chorus continues to argue how the wrong things are focused on more so than what's important. "Pretty hurts, we shine the light on whatever's worst/ Perfection is a disease of a nation/ Pretty hurts Pretty hurts/ Pretty hurts, we shine the light on whatever's worst/ we try to fix something but you can't fix what you can't see/ It's the soul that needs surgery." The second verse goes on to take it from being within the home where outer appearance is the focus and inner is ignored to being in society/the public eye. The TV, Vogue and South Beach is mentioned in the second verse as examples of the outer appearance is important she even goes into some detail of what they look at and expect. "Blonder hair, flat chest/ TV says bigger is better/ South Beach sugar free/Vogue says thinner is better." In the breakdown close to the end of the song she argues how no doctor or pill can truly take away the brainwashed pain that's felt when your appearance is more important than you. Toward the end of the song; Beyonce is leaving the argument open asking, "When your all alone by yourself/ and your laying in your bed/ reflection stares right into you/ are you happy with yourself?" Within this Beyonce is questioning even though it is pushed that outer appearance is what matters, and society and maybe even in your home appearance is important and whats the main focus over it all; following this are you truly happy with yourself after you went through the extent to perfect yourself in a way you'll be visually accepted in the eyes of those that only find your appearance to represent what and who you are.  This song not only holds an argument of the priorities of society and even those close to us are messed up and need to be re-evaluated but it also stresses another message that's deeper. All that was said may be true but doesn't have to be true. You can be beautiful and smart; whatever size you are; whatever color you are whatever your difference is can be accepted and also even if you do fall under the impression appearance is the focus just think doing all you attempt you may still not be happy; or accomplish what you were after so accept yourself and pretty doesn't have to hurt.

Pretty Hurts