Pretty Hurts

Beyoncé's 'Pretty Hurts' is a powerful commentary on the societal pressures of beauty and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The song opens with a beauty pageant contestant being asked about her aspirations, to which she responds with a desire for happiness. This sets the stage for a critique of how society equates happiness with physical beauty, often to the detriment of inner well-being.

The lyrics delve into the expectations placed on women to conform to certain standards of beauty, as dictated by media and cultural norms. Phrases like 'brush your hair, fix your teeth' and 'blonder hair, flat chest' reflect the specific and often unattainable beauty ideals that women are encouraged to achieve. Beyoncé challenges these norms by suggesting that striving for this superficial perfection is harmful, a 'disease of a nation,' and that it is the soul that truly needs nurturing and care, not just the external appearance.

The song's chorus, 'Pretty hurts, we shine the light on whatever's worst,' implies that by focusing on our flaws and trying to correct them, we only shine a light on our insecurities. The mention of 'plastic smiles and denial' and 'shattered mirrors' symbolizes the breaking point where the facade of perfection can no longer be maintained. Ultimately, 'Pretty Hurts' is a call to recognize the deeper issues within ourselves and society, advocating for self-acceptance and the understanding that true happiness comes from within, not from societal approval or physical attractiveness.