Legend
Lyric Analysis For Pretty Hurts by Beyoncé
Explanation of Denotation, Connotation, and Important Poetic Devices
The song “Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé revolves around the main themes of body image and inner beauty. Within the first of the three stanzas written above, the narrator talks about how her mother always told her that her looks and her appearance were all that mattered and this is what she grew up believing in. Then, the second stanza goes on to talk about beauty pageants and how she was determined to win and come out successful. After this stanza, the song moves into the chorus where the narrator repeats the phrase “pretty hurts” over and over, which is the title of the song. They are stating that being pretty does not come easy and that we have a real issue in society where we all focus on and point out each other’s flaws and imperfections. Overall, the song “Pretty Hurts” really tells a clear story about the views of body image and inner beauty in today’s society. There are many lyrics displayed above, as well as in the remainder of the song that clearly express the pressure that the narrator is under throughout their “story”.
The important details that have been implied through the use of poetic devices and selective word choice within the lyrics of this song, really allow the audience to think about the deeper meaning of the text and to understand what isn’t being directly stated through the lyrics. Firstly, going back to the beginning of the song, the audience is able to understand that the narrator was always taught as she was growing up that nothing was more important than the way you looked. No matter how smart or intelligent you were, no matter what you believed in, your morals, etc. None of it mattered unless you were what society saw as “pretty”. The second stanza goes into more detail when saying “pageant the pain away”. From this we are able to understand that from what she has been taught earlier in her life, she believes that being “beautiful” is the key to success. This is because she is focusing purely on winning this beauty contest in order to give herself reassurance that she is beautiful. Lastly, within the third stanza that is displayed above, out of the three, this one portrays the deepest implied explanation and meaning of the song. This is the chorus so it is important that it is this powerful. By reading between the lines of these lyrics, it is easy to see that the message of how women are put under such pressure in today’s society is being displayed. Women and girls feel that they are required to be perfect to appear beautiful on the outside and there is such an expectation for them to look a certain way. The line that says, “perfection is a disease of the nation” makes you think about these unrealistic standards which truly is an issue and is awful to think that so many girls and women are put under these pressures. In addition to this, the lyric stating, “it’s the soul that needs the surgery” really shows that its what’s inside that counts and that is the part that needs fixing so that people are not trying to live up to unrealistic standards. All in all, the deeper meaning of this song really portrays a powerful message revolving around body image and inner beauty.
Two poetic devices that were very evident as well as effective within this song were mood as well as anaphora. Mood is displayed at many points throughout this song, which contribute to the portrayal of the main message. Also, anaphora (the repetition of a phrase) is used when “pretty hurts” is repeated throughout the chorus. This emphasizes the title of the song and leaves a lasting impact with regards to the pressure women are put under to be “beautiful”.
The important details that have been implied through the use of poetic devices and selective word choice within the lyrics of this song, really allow the audience to think about the deeper meaning of the text and to understand what isn’t being directly stated through the lyrics. Firstly, going back to the beginning of the song, the audience is able to understand that the narrator was always taught as she was growing up that nothing was more important than the way you looked. No matter how smart or intelligent you were, no matter what you believed in, your morals, etc. None of it mattered unless you were what society saw as “pretty”. The second stanza goes into more detail when saying “pageant the pain away”. From this we are able to understand that from what she has been taught earlier in her life, she believes that being “beautiful” is the key to success. This is because she is focusing purely on winning this beauty contest in order to give herself reassurance that she is beautiful. Lastly, within the third stanza that is displayed above, out of the three, this one portrays the deepest implied explanation and meaning of the song. This is the chorus so it is important that it is this powerful. By reading between the lines of these lyrics, it is easy to see that the message of how women are put under such pressure in today’s society is being displayed. Women and girls feel that they are required to be perfect to appear beautiful on the outside and there is such an expectation for them to look a certain way. The line that says, “perfection is a disease of the nation” makes you think about these unrealistic standards which truly is an issue and is awful to think that so many girls and women are put under these pressures. In addition to this, the lyric stating, “it’s the soul that needs the surgery” really shows that its what’s inside that counts and that is the part that needs fixing so that people are not trying to live up to unrealistic standards. All in all, the deeper meaning of this song really portrays a powerful message revolving around body image and inner beauty.
Two poetic devices that were very evident as well as effective within this song were mood as well as anaphora. Mood is displayed at many points throughout this song, which contribute to the portrayal of the main message. Also, anaphora (the repetition of a phrase) is used when “pretty hurts” is repeated throughout the chorus. This emphasizes the title of the song and leaves a lasting impact with regards to the pressure women are put under to be “beautiful”.