Music Conversations cont.

To Thy Own Self Be True

Good conversations almost always evolve. A discussion about the weather twists into a comparison of winter coats, the effects of climate change, or dieting to lose a few pounds before swimsuit season begins. But what’s striking to me is how most conversations between women eventually circle round to relationships and physical appearance. Women have been taught to measure their self-worth and success in life by how others see and judge their bodies and the roles they’re assigned. There are exceptions of course, but this is an internal struggle that begins at a very early age when young girls are taught to look outward for approval and away from their internal barometers. That’s why I love the juxtaposition of these two songs by Gloria Horton-Young. Enjoy!

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Gloria Weighs In
Given the thematic heart of "Glamour Puss,"a song deeply rooted in individuality, self-worth, and the challenge of societal norms, I've juxtaposed it with Sara Bareilles' "Brave," an anthem championing authenticity and fearless self-expression. When you blend Laura La Sottile’s evocative, slow-moving piano solo from "Glamour Puss" with the potent lyrics of Sara Bareilles's piano rendition in "Brave," the result is a masterful duet that's nothing short of empowering.

P.S. This is especially dedicated to you, Laura, the creator of such an intriguing, haunting piece.  

When you dive so low
Chasing the status quo  
It's a losing race  
and it only awards you with a Jane doe Face.

You can be amazing  
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug  
You can be the outcast  
Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love.

You see  
the mainstream boutique  
is a thief of your mystic  
It will always interfere  
with what you hold most dear.  
And that is YOU.

Honestly, I wanna see you be brave  
with what you want to say  
And let the words fall out  
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave.

Glamour Puss  
To thy own self be true. 
To thy own self be true.

Say what you wanna say
and let the words fall out  
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave.

If you want to be new  
You've got to pull away from the glowing avenue  
Where the MASS appeal  
Is spewing its vile spiel.

Innocence, your history
of silence
Won't do you any good  
Did you think it would?  
Let your words be anything but empty  
Why don't you tell them the truth?

When you dive so low  
Chasing the status quo  
It's a losing race  
and it only awards you with a Jane doe Face.

And since your history
of silence  
Won't do you any good  
Did you think it would?  
Let your words be anything but empty  
Why don't you tell them the truth?

You see
the mainstream boutique
is a thief of your mystic  
It will always interfere  
with what you hold most dear  
And that is YOU.

I just wanna see you  
I just wanna see you  
I wanna see you be brave.

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The dialogue between "Glamour Puss" and "Brave" builds a narrative around the idea of staying true to oneself in the face of societal expectations. "Glamour Puss" starts with the dangers of chasing societal norms and the emptiness it brings, while "Brave" encourages addressing these norms, hinting that silent conformity won't do any good. 

Both songs emphasize authenticity. While "Glamour Puss" warns about societal traps, "Brave" champions the idea of fearless self-expression and the courage it takes to be genuine.  "Brave" addresses the history of silence and the harm it causes, urging the listener to speak their truth. This meshes well with "Glamour Puss," which focuses on recognizing and valuing one's unique identity.

Both tracks converge on the idea that embracing one's authenticity, though challenging, is the path to true freedom and happiness.

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Just today, E. Jean Carroll - the advice columnist known for her long-running "Ask E. Jean" column in Elle Magazine and popular Substack newsletter - was talking about what women are expected to do to “maintain” their looks. I replied, “The maintenance issue is another deeply rooted distraction - telling women yet again that we are not enough, that we must continue to IMPROVE! This keeps us from our important work. If we add up the number of hours of thought we've put into maintenance it is staggering!”

GLAMOUR PUSS was written in the same vein, starting with the assumption that women must alter ourselves (both our looks and our behavior) in order to be loved. Once we’ve complied, adhering to the BS we’re told is necessary, we are then expected to blend in - to phase out our wild edges. Wild edges make them uncomfortable, you see. They poke the rule makers in their sides, eliciting fear and rigidity which block respect and love. Those who expect and/or demand that women “maintain” their looks are not all that different from misogynistic and racist humans. 

As a young woman, looking back, I spent far too much time and effort worried I was not good enough. When I could have been soaring with the brave wings I have now. So, when I can, I like to help others.

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Navigating life's vast library as a word enthusiast with a passion for poetry, books, connoisseur of vintage fashion, and ever-entrancing art. Companion in mischief, avid political debater, and daring adventurer who forgoes the safety helmet every single time. 

Laura La Sottile is an award winning performer and writer who has been performing in San Francisco and New York City since 1995. She's been writing comedy for the Foolish Times paper since 2012. She received an honorable mention in the 84th. annual Writer's Digest competition in 2020, and recently won 10th. place in the Humor Category in the 92nd, Annual Writing Competition in 2023. Laura's pride and joy was publishing her new literary work, a novelette called, "TRASHEDIES." It is a collection of funny, feminist, flash fiction stories.

Connect with Laura on Social Media
Substack: www.lauralasottile.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralasottile36621962/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClIUjsFO_sQHtlQXvT4qBEA/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOTTILELA/

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Many thanks again to Gloria, Laura, and of course Sara Bareilles.
If you have a music conversation you’d like to share, write to me at JenaBall@CritterKin.com