Who needs philosophers, poets, other literary greats, when you can take much catchier life advice from your favourite pop songs? I’ve taken the time to curate 5 of the most relatable, motivational, and amusing pop lyrics from recent decades for your viewing pleasure, along with some great photos of the ladies responsible for them and some items from H&M’s latest Divided collection that I think they’d love.
1
but a scrub is checkin’ me
but his game is kinda weak
and I know that he cannot approach me
’cause I’m lookin’ like class
and he’s lookin’ like trash
can’t get with a dead-beat ass
TLC – No Scrubs
This was the first song that came to mind when brainstorming this post. 1) it is hilarious 2) the message is absolutely on point 3) it is an excellent song 4) it includes the phrase ‘his game is kinda weak’. It’s all about being confident in yourself and knowing your worth, and how boys are annoying, and I love it!
2
you think we’re just pretty things
you couldn’t be more wrong…
representing all the women, salute, salute
ladies, the time has come, the war has begun
let us stand together
Little Mix – Salute
Little Mix might not be the girl band that first springs to mind when you think of feminism in music, but Salute is purely and simply a girl power anthem. The best part is that it appeals to Little Mix’s predominantly very young fan base and I think that is so exciting, power to Little Mix!!
3
lemme make this clear
I’m not difficult,
I’m just ‘bout my business
Nicki Minaj – All Things Go
Not strictly speaking pop music, I suppose, but this (as well as many more of Nicki’s lyrics) conveys the very important message that just because a woman is business-smart does not mean that she is difficult, bossy, overbearing, or in any way unfeminine. IMPORTANT!
4
pretty hurts
we shine the light on whatever’s worst
perfection is a disease of a nation
Beyoncé – Pretty Hurts
I couldn’t exclude Queen Bey from a post about pop songs. This is a slightly more serious one, starkly accurate and particularly important in an industry obsessed by image, which we are all guilty of being consumed by at times.
5
oh my god look at that face
you look like my next mistake
Taylor Swift – Blank Space
Frankly I could have based this whole post around Tay Swift lyrics – relatable, motivational, emotional, she has the whole lot. I chose this one because 1) it is funny 2) it is astoundingly accurate and 3) I really enjoy the tongue-in-cheek self awareness of it.
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Quite clearly there are many more pop lyrics that would deservedly fit into this post, but I don’t want to keep you all day. Let me know which are your favourites, and if there are any particularly profound pop lyrics you think I have criminally overlooked then I want to know about them!
Words by Hannah Farrington
Photos via Teen.com, Pop Dust, Google images, H&M
*this post is in collaboration with H&M*
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Taylor definitely has some cracking song lyrics! <3
Tara x
I love this! What a wonderful idea!
Taylor's lyrics are always so relatable and honest!! Great post! x
India Charlotte♥
I really loved this post, definitely something different to usual posts! I think even though pop music is stereotyped as 'meaningless', when you take time to think about the relevance of what they're singing about, it becomes clear that even though they may not be stating it in the most obvious or intellectual way, the message is still there.
infinity of fashion// Lucy Jane
I love this, such a great idea for a post. The Little Mix ones are great, the next Spice Girls representing Girl Power!x
Amanda / Amanda's Escape