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littlethoughtdrops · 2 years

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"You might think I'm crazy, but I'm serious…"

If I could do only one thing before making an important decision, I'd blast Janet Jackson's "The Pleasure Principle" and let the music make me listen to my heart.

While the song is older than me, as a young person living in this disruptive era, this song has probably saved my life with its themes that hit me like a sucker punch.

Make no mistake; the song's intro of blaring synths, bright, danceable beats, and a jubilant exclamation might suggest celebration, but its lyrics seethe in defiance of the things (and people) that no longer serve Ms. Jackson as she resolves to not let anyone take away her agency.

The song is built upon the extended metaphor of a taxi ride which represents her relationship with the song's subject who is intentionally kept vague; this lets us imagine our troubles with people or entities as a common adversary that we share with Janet. The metaphor is brilliant because it works on multiple levels. First, the idea of a limousine or taxi with a running meter stopping at the light brings to mind the concepts of a journey, a destination, and a decision. Janet is growing as time passes, and she knows where she wants to go, but she has to make the choice to continue on that path instead of going "nowhere".

The taxi has some unique characteristics that make the metaphor even deeper. Perhaps none are more important than the idea of the driver and the fare. The driver is the one in control, yet, arguably, the driver represents the target of the song's lyrics. On the other hand, Janet is the passenger when she, in an unexpectedly vulnerable turn, admits that it's "not the first time I paid the fare". By being the passenger, not only is she lacking at least equal control in the relationship, she's putting in more effort than the driver which is rendered in this analogy as the fare. It's not her first time being stuck in this situation either. Still, her frank assessment of thanking her ride for taking her nowhere and her insistence on needing to go, as her "meters running", reveals her awareness of time and steadfastness in reclaiming autonomy in her life and searching for greater meaning, fulfilment, and equality in her relationships. She firmly rejects stagnation and pivots towards the riskier road of chasing her personal ambitions.

After leaving this relationship, she will not settle for any mirage of happiness. She problematizes materialism and the desire to own others with her question of "where'd you get the idea of material possession?". She does not fall for lookism when she states "I wouldn't trust your looks baby if I could". These lines might even serve as dialogue that could conceivably be taking place in said taxi or limousine. Instead, she desires to follow her own path with herself in the driver's seat to do the "many things I wanna do", but what she actually wanted from this person was love which she repeats emphatically. She does not ask for it; she demands it because she knows she deserves it from someone who will give it to her.

The video is a masterpiece in and of itself, but an appreciation of the song's message completes the viewer's experience. The choreography's sharp, aggressive moves and choice to have her dance alone underscore the internal conflict that the lyrics describe. This is further highlighted in the dance break where we see her dance as she stares at her reflection duplicated by the fractured mirror. This might represent her regaining control over her disparate selves, or it may be representative of her listening to her inner thoughts or voice. Meanwhile, kicking the chair is a clear repudiation of everything represented by sitting and staying still. Instead, she chooses to move and be a dynamic figure. She even takes off her jacket because it constrains her movement.

Next time I have an important decision to make, I'll try to remind myself to listen to this song and ask myself the questions it raises: does my relationship to this person, thing, or idea still serve me? Is this a step towards short-term bliss or my long-term happiness? Am I pre-emptively denying myself of the love and autonomy I deserve through staying with something or someone that is unable to love me? These are tough questions that this song helps me confront, and I hope it can help you, too.

Thank you for reading, and I'll leave you with what I think is the song's most poignant part:

"I'm not here to feed your insecurities

I wanted you to love me

This has become an all too familiar scene

It's not the first time I paid the fare

Where'd you get the idea of material possession?

Thank you for the ride nowhere".

#the pleasure principle #control #janet jackson #song analysis #analysis #late night thoughts #my first real post

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mirageofficial · 1 year

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𖤐 ⤸ ₊ ִ ˚ ࣪ ˖ SUCKER PUNCH! is the upcoming comeback + third studio album released by the fictional south korean girl group, MIRAGE, on JUNE 30, 2023 under KQ ENTERTAINMENT & REPUBLIC RECORDS. not only will this album be their first promoted english project, but it will also be the first time that the group will promote in various countries—including music shows + festivals in (but not limited to) south korea, america, paris, and the united kingdom. as the title suggests, this album packs a punch full of confidence and self-worth while showing signs of the group’s lore. so, if you’re looking for the perfect push to move on from whatever kind of heartbreak, SUCKER PUNCH! has it all. in all countries, IT’S ALL ME, WE SHOULD BREAK UP, SO WHAT? and SHOOTING STARS will be promoted, IT’S ALL ME and SHOOTING STARS are title tracks.