So... Crazes. There's plenty of music that works out with this category, whether it's because of a new show, just a very popular music video, TikTok, or anything else. There's a lot of music that people go crazy about for a short while, after which it's forgotten for (often) long periods of time. In this music column, I'll be talking in-depth about one of the songs I submitted in our playlist too. Ken and Barbie, from Kate Gill.
When I first downloaded TikTok myself, which I did way after it actually became popular, and this was the song I found to be everywhere. My 'For You Page' was still fairly random because there was nothing they could base what I liked on, but it fit, I really enjoyed seeing the videos people made with this song. You may be wondering what the videos were about? The overwhelming majority of them were coming out videos where people would listen to a piece of the song and show others reactions. It was the most adorable thing.
Now... Why do I want to dive into this song? Well, because I don't like a lot of songs that fit the category of crazes, and I just really enjoy this one, personally. I also enjoy that she wrote an alternative version, as well as how many others created alternatives based on that singular song. This was to make it fit different genders, sexualities, and people's identities.
Before we go over the song's meaning, I would like to show you the main bit used for the coming out videos, as well as the rest of the chorus:
What if he wants Ken, not Barbie?
Why should he have to say sorry?
Tell me do you even listen?
To all the dumb shit you're slipping?
We can love who we want to
Don't say he's not supposed to
If he loves Ken not Barbie
He doesn't have to say sorry
Ken & Barbie was based on the story of a close friend from Kate Gill, as she herself doesn't identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. He shared his personal story about the journey of finding himself and growing up with her on a 4 hour car trip, after which she wanted to share with him that she was there to support him. He really enjoyed hearing the song, and thought she should share it on TikTok.
As she shared it, she realized how many people related to the story, and wanted to hear a version that fit them which led to her creating the alternative version Barbie & Ken. The melody is the same but she adjusted the text to fit the new situation of a girl.
I feel like the meaning of the song becomes quite obvious when you listen to it. It's about the judgment a lot of queer people face for not being straight, and how many people don't consider same-sex couples to have a real relationship based on love. It lets those who are queer know that it is okay to be queer and that they should never have to apologize to anyone for feeling love the way they feel it. As Kate states, we can love who we want to.
-FoxRiver