Chances are, you’ve come across “Messy” by Lola Young, whether through a music streaming app or TikTok. If you’re a woman, particularly an American woman, you’ve likely felt a profound sense of validation from the lyrics as they mirror your own experiences. This resonance is what makes ‘Messy’ such a powerful and relatable song for women everywhere.
Lola Young, born on January 4, 2001, is a London-born singer and songwriter. She is best known for recording covers of famous songs, but now she’s making waves with her new hit song “Messy.” The track is all over TikTok and has even topped the UK Singles Chart.
But what’s the most appealing about the song are the lyrics. So, let’s break them down!
“I’m not skinny, and I pull a Britney every other week
But cut me some slack; who do you want me to be?”
Here, Lola nods to how societal norms make women feel they should look and then adds the cherry on top: mental health struggles and the pressure women feel that can make them cave. She nods to Britney Spears’ mental health crisis of 2007 as well. It was when, after the pressure from family and romantic break-ups, Brtiney was seen acting out in many different ways, raising concern for her mental state. It’s also a nod to the stigma associated with mental illness and how it’s often used to form a “lesser than” narrative.
“Cause I’m too messy, and then I’m too #)$^* clean
You told me, “Get a job,” then you ask where the hell I’ve been.”
This may be my favorite lyric in the song. Phew.
Here, Lola exposes the societal expectations that we are supposed to keep our houses clean and hold down jobs while also having time for a relationship. This part also shows how others in our lives, especially men, are quick to judge us and advise us on how they feel we should live, whether or not we request it.
“And I’m too perfect ’til I open my big mouth
I want to be me, is that not allowed?”
Though this school of thought is older, it’s still one that very much exists. Women’s place is to be submissive and quiet. Don’t be bold, loud, or outspoken. Sit there and look pretty.
“You hate it when I cry unless it’s that time of the month.”
Nothing makes me see red quicker than when someone associates a woman being emotional with her menstrual cycle.
It is as if our emotions, in their wide range, cannot be expressed unless we are menstruating. Just look at the state of the world and the complexities we encounter every day, and you, too, may cry.
“A thousand people I could be for you, and you hate the %^^&& lot.”
Continuing about the societal pressure to reinvent ourselves to meet the ideal image, Lola sings about how, even after doing almost everything possible, her romantic partner still seems to think she has things to work on.
Needless to say, the song “Messy” is extremely relatable to all women. Do you agree? What other songs do you relate to? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image via LauraMayM – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
