What's Fair

Blondshell's song 'What's Fair' delves into the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between a mother and daughter. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman reflecting on her upbringing and the impact her mother had on her life. The opening lines, 'I think that you’d be proud I flew alone today,' suggest a sense of independence and growth, yet they are tinged with a longing for approval. This duality sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the protagonist grapples with the complexities of her emotions towards her mother.

The song's chorus, 'What’s fair? What’s a fair assessment of the job you did? Do you ever even regret it?' highlights the protagonist's struggle to reconcile her feelings. She questions the fairness of her mother's actions and whether her mother has any regrets about the way she raised her. This introspection is further complicated by the societal pressures and expectations placed on women, as evidenced by the lines, 'You’d want me to be famous so you could live by proxy. You always had a reason to comment on my body.' These lyrics underscore the unrealistic standards and criticisms that mothers can impose on their daughters, often leading to lasting emotional scars.

The song also touches on the idea of overcorrection, as the protagonist wonders if she is trying too hard to distance herself from her mother's influence. The repeated questioning, 'Am I overcorrecting?' suggests a deep-seated uncertainty and a desire to find balance. The lyrics, 'Maybe it was not the right time, maybe it was not the right wine, maybe it was in the water, maybe God turned a blind eye,' reflect a search for reasons and explanations for the strained relationship. Ultimately, 'What's Fair' is a poignant exploration of the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, filled with raw emotion and a quest for understanding.