Music Review: Lady Gaga "Born This Way"

Lady Gaga

Born This Way

Album: Born This Way

Year: 2011

        Lady Gaga stresses the importance of loving oneself in the bombastic “Born This Way."

        The synths simmer as she says people can love whomever they want, even God, and still be themselves. (“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.”) Then, the synths burst, exploding glitter and confetti.

    As a little girl, she remembers being in her mom’s bedroom while her mom dolled her up.. She told her mom how she wished she fuller lips and thicker hair. Her mom explained that everyone is talented at something. It’s ok that her lips are thin. It’s how God intended her to be and she should be proud. Once she accepts itself, she can accomplish whatever she wants. (“My mama told me when I was young/We are all born superstars/She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on/In the glass of her boudoir/"There's nothing wrong with loving who you are"/She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"/"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far/Listen to me when I say.”)

    In the chorus, she exclaims she has her own unique beauty, it’s how God made her. People shouldn’t second-guess their decisions and trust their instincts.  It’s what been she’s been taught and it’s worked for her. (“I'm beautiful in my way/'Cause God makes no mistakes/I'm on the right track, baby/I was born this way/Don't hide yourself in regret/Just love yourself and you're set/I'm on the right track, baby/I was born this way/Oh there ain't no other way/Baby I was born this way/Baby I was born this way/Oh there ain't no other way/Baby I was born this way/I'm on the right track, baby/I was born this way.”)

        In the first bridge, she tells people to embrace their quirks. (“Don't be a drag, just be a queen /Don’t be a drag, just be a queen, don’t be a drag, just be a queen, don’t be!”)

      She tells people to look out for themselvs and appreciate the friendships they have. The teenagers shouldn’t be discouraged by the looks they get from adults if they different color hair or a bunch of tattoos. There are magazine articles and advertisements telling people what they need to improve upon or change. She says she can’t buy into the ideal image and accept that she’s a size ten, not a two.  If she falls in love with another woman, it’s not a reason to call her a dyke, deny her rights or needs such as health insurance.  People should believe in God who accepts everyone. She enjoys her life and music. (“Give yourself prudence/And love your friends/Subway kid, rejoice your truth/In the religion of the insecure/I must be myself, respect my youth/A different lover is not a sin/Believe capital H-I-M (Hey hey hey)/I love my life I love this record and mi amore vole fe yah (translation: love needs faith)”)

       The chorus is sung again.

      In the full bridge, she says it doesn’t matter if a person is rich, poor, a different ethnicity or sexuality, or has a disability. Everyone should embrace who they are and not listen to the racists and bullies in the world. (“Don't be a drag, just 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 'cause baby you were born this way/No matter gay, straight, or bi/Lesbian, transgendered life/I'm on the right track baby/I was born to survive/No matter black, white or beige/Chola or orient made/I'm on the right track baby/I was born to be brave.”)

          The chorus is sung again.

     The synths fade out to claps as she exclaims she is who she is. (“I was born this way hey!/I was born this way hey!/I'm on the right track baby/I was born this way hey!/I was born this way hey!/I was born this way hey!/I'm on the right track baby/I was born this way hey!/Same DNA, but born this way/Same DNA, but born this way.”)

        Gaga’s  authorative, brash vocals are powerful, throwing some political punches as she acts a mentor to those who feel ugly or ashamed of who they are. She’s speaking up against all discrimation - ethnic, sexual and racial -  giving a voice for those who are not accepted in society.

     As for the similarity to Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” she and Madonna share the same authorative tone in their vocals. Much like Madonna’s single, Gaga is in a position where she is trying to empowering people. However, it’s where it ends. Gaga’s beat is far too flashy and brisk to even match

  The classic “Born This Way” sends out a positive message while making a political point as well.