Music Review: Christina Perri "Human"

Christina Perri

Human

Album: Head Or Heart

Year: 2013

                Christina Perri hopes people do not take advantage of her in the well-meaning            “Human.”

          Bashful strings open the single, setting a hesitant tone. Her boss told her a promotion is coming soon. She is willing to wait without complaint. A co-worker will start singing along loudly to every song on the radio. She will keep her snarky comments limited to inside her head. She’ll make herself scarce in order be the ultimate team player. She’s willing to be friendly and make conversation with people she wishes she could never see again. It will make her boss, family and friends pleased with her. (“I can hold my breath/I can bite my tongue/I can stay away for days/If that's what you want/Be your number one/I can fake a smile/I can force a laugh/I can dance and play the part/If that's what you ask/Give you all I am.”)

In the pre-chorus, she’s assures everyone around her she’s capable and be given more responsibility. (“I can do it/I can do it/I can do it.”)

           In the chorus, she says she cannot be perfect all the time. As she learns, she will be making mistakes. She’ll get frustrated and won’t be in a good mood every moment of the day. She can hear their snide comments, wondering if she’ll be able to make it. Compliments only exacerbate the pressure to succeed. (“But I'm only human/And I bleed when I fall down/I'm only human/And I crash and I break down/Your words in my head, knives in my heart/You build me up and then I fall apart/Cause I'm only human.”)

She can deal with stress. Despite her obvious nerves, she will be able to her duties and surpass expectations. The craziness won’t faze her. She’ll be the perfect employee, girlfriend, and family member. (“I can turn it on/Be a good machine/I can hold the weight of worlds/If that's what you need/Be your everything.”)

          A variation of bridge is sung. (“I can do it/I can do it/I’ll get through it.”)

           An extended chorus is sung. (“But I’m only human…I’m only human/I’m only human/Just a little human.”)

In the bridge, she’s aware that people lie to get what they want from her. It’s something she looks out for when dealing with people. She will speak up if she has to.  (“I can take so much/Til I’ve had enough.”)

             The chorus is sung again to end the single.

          Perri’s emphatic vocals set out to prove she can be a major mainstream success. She makes a good case for herself. She asks in an assertive manner without being pushy. Not once does she whine or feign entitlement to get her away. She simply wants a chance to show what she can do. However, finding people to believe in her has been difficult. It’s a realistic emotion and for some people it’s an endless battle, regardless of what they do or who they are. She is someone worth rooting for.

          The earnest “Human” deserves to be noticed.