Meaning of Freak by Mariah Carey

The Mariah Carey song "Freak" may initially catch the listener off guard with its seemingly unconventional subject matter, but upon closer examination, it becomes evident that the song carries deeper themes of acceptance, friendship, and challenging societal norms. Through its clever and unexpected lyrics, "Freak" encourages listeners to appreciate and embrace the unique qualities that make each individual special.The chorus, "But he was my friend, I liked him, I really liked him, Something about him was cool, He was okay, I think that you would like him, He’s an awful lot like you," serves as the core of the song's message. It urges listeners to look beyond stereotypes and judgments in order to form genuine connections with others. This theme of friendship and acceptance is reinforced by the song's various verses.In the first verse, Mariah Carey introduces us to a character who defies traditional expectations of beauty and hygiene. The lyrics, "Met a midget, he was shorter than Elroy Jetson, If you could see him, it would really blow your mind, Smelled a little like the kennel that you keep your pets in, Because he didn’t bathe for eight weeks at a time," shed light on society's obsession with appearances and challenge listeners to see beyond physical attributes. The central message here is that true friendship transcends superficial judgments.The chorus repeats the important sentiment that the person being described is "an awful lot like you." This line highlights the universality of humanity's experiences and emotions, encouraging listeners to find common ground rather than focusing on perceived differences. It reinforces the theme of acceptance and compassion.The second verse introduces a drag queen character, defying societal expectations of gender identity and presentation. The lyrics, "I met a drag queen in a harlot hobo hellhole, She looked a little bit like Gilda in a dress, He wore a teddy with a nice big plunging neckline, So everyone could see her big fat hairy chest," highlight the unique qualities and self-expression often found in the LGBTQ+ community. These lyrics help develop the theme of embracing diversity and challenging gender norms.In the third verse, the song takes another unexpected turn as it introduces a character with a beard and an ambiguous racial identity. The lyrics, "I met a lady with a beard like Rip Van Winkle, I don’t remember but I think her name was Bruce, You couldn’t see his face, she had so many pimples, I couldn’t tell if she was black, white or chartreuse," challenge the listener's preconceived notions of beauty and race. This verse reinforces the theme of looking beyond appearances and embracing individuals for who they truly are.Throughout the song, Mariah Carey cleverly uses unexpected and imaginative characters to convey a message of acceptance and friendship. By spotlighting individuals who might be considered "freaks" by societal standards, the song confronts and challenges stereotypes. It encourages listeners to open their minds and hearts, fostering empathy and understanding.In the bridge, the lyrics, "It doesn’t matter who you are, Or what you think of me, Bigotry is just a form of insecurity," serve as a powerful statement against prejudice and discrimination. These lines suggest that judgment and intolerance stem from personal insecurities rather than from any inherent flaws in others. They reinforce the overarching theme of the song, promoting a more inclusive and accepting society.In conclusion, Mariah Carey's "Freak" is a thought-provoking song that speaks to the importance of embracing diversity, challenging societal norms, and cultivating genuine connections. Through its unexpected and imaginative lyrics, the song encourages listeners to look beyond appearances and stereotypes in order to appreciate the unique qualities that make each individual special. By promoting acceptance, friendship, and empathy, "Freak" serves as a reminder that true beauty lies in embracing our differences and finding common ground with those around us.