Known for her outlandish outfits and extravagant performances, Gaga’s music is, at its heart, about pushing boundaries and embracing who you are. Her 2011 hit “Born This Way” is the embodiment of this philosophy.
As an anthem for self-love and individuality, it champions acceptance and inclusivity in society. But what is the real meaning behind the lyrics that had millions of fans singing along?
This article delves into the depths of “Born This Way,” unpacking the lyrics and exploring the potent message that Lady Gaga delivered to the world with her signature audacious style.
Table of Contents
Lyrics Interpretation
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1: A Mother’s Advice
The song begins with a mother’s advice to her young daughter, instilling in her the belief that “We are all born superstars.” This sentiment is a positive reinforcement of self-esteem, encouraging individuals to see their unique qualities as strengths, not weaknesses.
“My mama told me when I was young, ‘We are all born superstars’
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on in the glass of her boudoir”
This verse is laden with symbolism – the mother prepping her child, teaching her to accept and express herself, even when society might not.
Chorus: A Manifesto of Self-Acceptance
The chorus is a clear manifesto of self-love and acceptance. The phrase “I was born this way” is repeated throughout the song as an anthem of self-affirmation. It underscores the fact that we are inherently perfect just the way we are.
“I’m beautiful in my way ’cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way”
The line “God makes no mistakes” implies that everyone is born exactly as they were meant to be. It directly challenges societal standards of beauty, success, and normalcy, encouraging listeners to love and accept themselves as they are.
Verse 2: Embracing Diversity and Individuality
Lady Gaga further emphasizes embracing our differences and standing up against societal pressure to conform.
“Don’t be a drag, just be a queen
Give yourself prudence and love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure, I must be myself, respect my youth”
The line “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen” seems to call out the societal pressure to blend in. Here, Lady Gaga encourages her listeners to be bold, to embrace their individuality, and to stand proud in their truth.
Bridge: Celebrating Diversity
In the bridge of the song, Lady Gaga addresses various forms of diversity, including race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
“Whether you’re broke or evergreen
You’re Black, white, beige, chola descent
You’re Lebanese, you’re Orient’
Whether life’s disabilities left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
‘Cause, baby, you were born this way”
This segment acts as a rallying cry for those who have ever felt outcast or marginalized. It promotes a message of unity and love, reinforcing the idea that everyone, regardless of their background or life experiences, deserves to love and be loved.
True Meaning Behind “Born This Way”
“Born This Way”, from her album of the same name, stands as the centerpiece of Gaga’s discography, reflecting her enduring commitment to advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Gaga once mentioned to Billboard that she wanted to write an anthem that was clear and direct. She wanted to create a song that packed a punch and wasn’t cloaked in metaphorical language. Inspired by early 90s artists like Madonna, Whitney Houston, En Vogue, and TLC, she aimed to write a song that was empowering and had a clear message. That’s how “Born This Way” came into existence – a song that’s so incredibly potent, it feels like a rallying cry.
Back when it was released in 2011, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights was even tougher than it is now. Same-sex marriage was still a hotly debated topic and only became legalized across the country in 2015. Transgender recognition in mainstream pop culture was still in its infancy. In this context, “Born This Way” was more than just a catchy tune – it was a beacon of hope and acceptance.
Despite its positive impact, the song was not without its controversies. It got side-eyed for its similarities to Madonna’s 1989 hit, “Express Yourself.” Madonna even called it “reductive” and mashed the two songs up in her 2012 MDNA tour. But despite these hiccups, “Born This Way” evolved into a solid anthem that’s now intrinsically linked to Lady Gaga.
The track was a hit, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and making history as the fastest-selling song on iTunes at that time. It won several awards, including Best Female Video and Best Video With a Message at the MTV VMAs, and Best Video and Best Song at the MTV Europe Music Awards. The album itself also scooped up three Grammy nominations.
Since then, Gaga’s career has expanded beyond music, with successful ventures into acting. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her role in American Horror Story: Hotel and received critical acclaim for her performance alongside Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born.
Fast forward to 2021, the impact of “Born This Way” can still be felt. The mayor of West Hollywood even declared May 23, the album’s release date, as “Born This Way Day” and gave Lady Gaga a key to the city.
Gaga stated the song and album were inspired by Carl Bean, a gay black religious activist who preached, sung, and wrote about being ‘Born This Way’ way back in 1975.
Conclusion
Gaga’s “Born This Way” is an enduring testament to the power of music to inspire tolerance, acceptance, and freedom. It’s a tribute to those who fought and continue to fight for these rights, showing us that we should all celebrate our differences, ’cause baby, we were born this way!