My Strongest Suit

In the musical AIDA, the song 'My Strongest Suit' is a vibrant and flamboyant celebration of fashion and self-expression. The character singing this song, Amneris, is the daughter of the Pharaoh and is known for her extravagant and luxurious lifestyle. The lyrics reflect her belief that clothing and outward appearance are paramount, overshadowing other aspects of life such as health, fitness, and even manners. This perspective is encapsulated in the line, 'I am what I wear and how I dress,' emphasizing the importance she places on her external image.

The repetition of 'Overwear, underwear, anytime, anywhere' underscores the omnipresence of fashion in Amneris's life. She believes that every moment is an opportunity to showcase her style, whether she is in public or private. The song's playful and rhythmic structure mirrors the character's lively and confident personality. Amneris's wardrobe is not just a collection of clothes but a statement of her identity and status. She takes pride in her ability to impress and captivate others through her attire, as seen in the lines, 'With some glamour guaranteeing every fiber of my being / Is displayed to quite remarkable effects.'

The song also touches on the societal expectations and pressures of maintaining a certain image. Amneris's declaration that she would 'rather wear a barrel than conservative apparel' highlights her disdain for conformity and her desire to stand out. Her wardrobe is a reflection of her bold and unapologetic nature. The song's climax, where she demands her 'finest, most audacious, my divinest' dress, encapsulates her need to be the center of attention and to make a lasting impact. 'My Strongest Suit' is a testament to the power of fashion as a form of self-expression and a tool for asserting one's identity and individuality.