“Brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo - meaning and lyrical analysis
Olivia Rodrigo's song "Brutal" may have seemed like an anthem for the quintessential teenage angst upon first glance. However, after delving deeper into the lyrics and exploring them through diverging lenses, we may unravel a creative, unexpected meaning to the song that could redefine how we perceive it. Rodrigo's raw emotional outpouring in "Brutal" presents a labyrinth, with its twists and turns taking us on a journey of self-discovery and imagined teenage dreams.
The verses of "Brutal" center around Rodrigo's character's constant struggle with insecurities, anxiety, and an overwhelming craving for approval. When we consider the varying points of view of the different characters inside this song, we unearth the song's core themes that apply not just to the main character but also to the different personas. This reframing allows the song to be interpreted as an exploration of the multifaceted inner worlds of various characters.
One of the most striking lines of the song, "I'm so sick of seventeen, Where's my fucking teenage dream?" can be seen as a nod to other iconic pop music musings about youth, such as Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" or Taylor Swift's "22." This juxtaposition highlights the different standards of teenage life set by pop culture, hinting at the enormous discrepancy between society's expectations and the reality faced by today's youth. The main character may allude to the quintessential teenage dream: a highly romanticized notion of love, friendship, and adventure. The harsh reality leaves the protagonist wondering if they'll ever break free from the tumultuous emotional web of teenage years.
Looking at the other personas, "Brutal" reveals the ironic nature of relationships and self-image. With lines like "I love people I don't like," Rodrigo's character emphasizes the struggle to maintain one's true identity in the face of societal pressures. A supporting character made uneasy by others' expectations might adopt a superficial façade that attracts people they genuinely dislike. At the same time, they scorn their creations – the songs they write or the life they lead while conforming to societal norms.
The chorus repeatedly refers to a broken heart and broken ego, iterating the lines "Got a broken ego, broken heart, And God, I don't even know where to start." The broken heart may symbolize the central character's struggle with love, relationships, and the general fragility of being a teenager. The broken ego, on the other hand, could symbolize how the supporting characters are affected by the same brutal environment. By weaving these emotions throughout the song, Rodrigo highlights how both the leading and supporting characters experience their personal battles in a world that seems bleak and devastating.
The lines "Quit my job, start a new life, And they'd all be so disappointed, 'Cause who am I if not exploited?" allude to the extraordinary expectations placed on young individuals today. The main character expresses their longing to escape the monotony of a prescribed life, while the secondary characters are gripped by the fear of disappointment and failure.
Through analysis of such lyrics, "Brutal" transforms from a song of angst to an intricate and evocative tapestry of introspection. It delves into the paradoxes, contradictions, and heartaches faced by multiple characters, shattering the illusion of idyllic teenage years painted by pop culture. Olivia Rodrigo's "Brutal" reminds listeners to question societal norms and expectations, thereby embarking on a journey of self-discovery and reimagined dreams.
