Born This Way Review
Fans have eagerly awaited Lady Gaga’s new single, “Born this Way”,
ever since she revealed the title during her VMA acceptance speech.
Set to be an anthem embracing anyone who was born “different”, Lady
Gaga starts out the song with a voice over, stating:
“It doesn’t matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
’cause you were Born This Way, Baby”
The intro is reminiscent of Madonna’s “Express Yourself”, an early
anthem with a similar message. Gaga has been known to tribute Madonna,
David Bowie and even Queen in her music.
This is not the first in a line of pro LGBT songs to come out in the
last few months. It is, however, in my opinion, the most poignant.
Gaga doesn’t hint around as Pink, Katy Perry and Ke$ha have in their
music. “Raise your glass”, “F**king Perfect”, “Firework”, and “We R
who we R” are all part of the pack of the new brand of protest songs.
Songs that command embracing who you are.
“No matter gay, straight, or bi
Lesbian, transgendered life
I’m on the right track baby
I was born this way”
The song is also being compared to Michael Jackson’s “Black or White”
because of the lyrics in the bridge:
“Don’t be a drag, be a queen
Whether you’re broke or evergreen
You’re black, white, beige chola descent
You’re Lebanese, You’re Orient
Whether life’s disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today”
Some critics complain that there is too much homage being paid in the
song, but I would like refute that. Yes, there are some obvious shout
outs to Madonna and Michael Jackson. The music is the love child of
90s Madonna and disco, two things that are heralded in the LGBT
community. They are genres and personalities that helped paved the
road to where we are today. Proof, also, that it does indeed get
better. Gaga was already an LGBT icon and activist, and “Born this
Way” has the potential to be the theme of an entire generation of kids
who feel like they don’t belong.
Beyond all of the seriousness in the song, it’s also set to be a great
dance hit. It has the power to penetrate the masses, infiltrating the
minds of millions with the powerful message, “Baby, I was born this
way!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4a8QtvOkBQ
“The opinions expressed here are those of the blogger, and do not represent the views of The Cube or Southern Tier AIDS Program.”
