Sexy Boy
Air
The Allure and Illusion of Perfection in 'Sexy Boy' by Air
Air's song 'Sexy Boy' delves into the themes of idealized beauty and the societal pressures to conform to certain standards of attractiveness. The lyrics repeatedly mention 'Sexy Boy,' a figure who embodies the epitome of physical allure. This character is depicted as having the perfect body, akin to an athlete, and possessing the charm and sophistication of a well-dressed idol. The song questions the whereabouts of these 'heroes' and 'idols,' suggesting a sense of disillusionment with these unattainable ideals.
The lyrics also touch on the materialistic aspects of this idealized beauty. Phrases like 'Dans leurs yeux des dollars' (In their eyes, dollars) and 'Dans leurs sourires des diamants' (In their smiles, diamonds) highlight the superficial and commercial nature of this allure. The song implies that the pursuit of such perfection is often driven by material gain and societal approval rather than genuine self-worth or personal fulfillment.
Furthermore, the song reflects a personal aspiration to achieve this ideal. The line 'Moi aussi un jour je serai beau comme un dieu' (I too will one day be as beautiful as a god) reveals a desire to attain this level of perfection, despite its inherent flaws and superficiality. The reference to 'Apollon 2000 zéro défaut vingt et un an' (Apollo 2000 zero defect twenty-one years) underscores the unrealistic and almost robotic standards of beauty that society imposes, particularly on young men. Through its dreamy, electronic soundscape and evocative lyrics, 'Sexy Boy' critiques the obsession with physical perfection and the hollow nature of such pursuits.