Barbie Nation
Barbie Nation's Deceptive Allure: Unveiling Society's Expectations
Lyrics
She was told when she was young
Expresses the early influence on the subject about the importance of being blonde.
Ah, that blondes always have more fun
Critiques the stereotype that blondes have more fun as a "dirty lie."
Lie lie lie, dirty lie du du dumb
Emphasizes the falsehood of the idea with playful and dismissive language.
Perfect hair perfect waste
Highlights the emphasis on physical appearance, specifically perfect hair.
With a perfect prom queen smile upon her face
Describes a seemingly perfect but superficial image portrayed with a prom queen smile.
For everyone
Suggests the facade is for everyone to see.
But it's all right, it's okay
Conveys a sense of reassurance, saying it's fine despite the superficiality.
Now your self-respect is the only price you'll pay
Ironically suggests that the only cost is the loss of self-respect.
It's okay, that's all right
Reiterates the acceptance of the situation with a casual tone.
You're the queen of the Barbie nation
Declares the subject as the queen of a superficial society, the "Barbie nation."
Queen of the Barbie nation
-Queen of the Barbie nation tonight
-Tonight, yeah
Reiterates the declaration of being the queen of the Barbie nation tonight.
Romance books, magazines
Criticizes the influence of romance media, portraying them as sources of deceit.
TV shows and the movie screens
-They lie lie lie, dirty lies empty dreams
-It's a shame you bowed down
Expresses disappointment in succumbing to societal expectations.
To the deity of Helen Gurley Brown
References Helen Gurley Brown, criticizing her influence as obscene.
So obscene
Suggests that the influence is morally objectionable.
It's all right, it's okay
Reassures that being on display is acceptable.
Just don't forget you're always on display
Advises not to forget the constant public scrutiny.
It's okay, that's alright
Reiterates the acceptance of the situation with a casual tone.
You're the queen of the Barbie nation
Repeats the declaration of being the queen of the Barbie nation.
Queen of the Barbie nation
-Queen of the Barbie nation tonight
-You're sexy and driven and doomed to succeed
Describes the subject as sexy and ambitious but lacking genuine fulfillment.
You'll get what you want but it's nothing you need
-And echoed in the heartache you conceal
-Is something good, something real
-She was told that in the end
Continues the narrative about societal expectations, suggesting every Barbie gets her Ken.
Every Barbie gets her Ken
Conveys the expectation of a stereotypical romantic ending.
Lie lie lie, no such guy, just pretend
Dismisses the idea of a perfect match as a pretense.
We pull the strings, wind the doll
Metaphorically describes societal influence, controlling and shaping the individual.
We create the myth that she can have it all
States that society creates a myth that one can have it all.
It's a sin
Labels the societal influence as a sin, indicating moral wrongdoing.
But it's all right, it's okay
Reassures that despite everything, it's alright.
Though your dignity is all that's left to trade
Ironic statement about the remaining value being dignity.
It's okay, that's all right
Reiterates the acceptance of the situation with a casual tone.
You're the queen of the Barbie nation
Repeats the declaration of being the queen of the Barbie nation.
Queen of the Barbie nation
-Queen of the Barbie nation tonight
-Queen of the Barbie nation . . .
Final declaration of being the queen of the Barbie nation.
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