Becky
Be Your Own Pet
The Dark Side of Teenage Friendship: Analyzing 'Becky' by Be Your Own Pet
Be Your Own Pet's song 'Becky' delves into the tumultuous and often volatile nature of teenage friendships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a friendship gone sour, marked by betrayal, gossip, and ultimately, violence. The song begins with a nostalgic nod to the good times shared between the narrator and Becky, but quickly shifts to reveal the underlying tensions and resentments that have built up over time. The yearbook signing, a seemingly innocent act, becomes a symbol of the fleeting nature of their bond.
As the song progresses, the narrator's anger and sense of betrayal become more pronounced. The mention of 'talking shit' and the formation of a new alliance with another friend highlight the cliquish and often cruel dynamics of teenage social circles. The imagery of waiting with knives after class is a stark metaphor for the intensity of the narrator's feelings and the lengths to which they are willing to go to exact revenge. This violent imagery underscores the extreme emotions that can accompany the end of a close friendship during adolescence.
The song takes a darker turn in its final verses, where the narrator reflects on the consequences of their actions. The mention of going to 'juvey for teenage homicide' and the regret expressed in the lines 'If only what you wrote in my yearbook was true-- then I wouldn't be stuck in fucking cell block 2' reveal the tragic outcome of the narrator's rage. Despite the regret, there is also a sense of defiance and a refusal to fully accept responsibility, as evidenced by the line 'But I don't regret what I've done, 'cuz in the end, it was fun!' This complex mix of emotions captures the confusion and intensity of teenage experiences, making 'Becky' a powerful exploration of the darker side of youth.