Prom Queen
Catie Turner
The Unseen Struggles of Teenage Invisibility
Catie Turner's song "Prom Queen" delves into the emotional turmoil and feelings of invisibility that many teenagers experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young girl who feels like an iceberg, with much of her true self hidden beneath the surface, unseen by those around her. The metaphor of the iceberg suggests that there is a depth to her character that goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the more popular girls at the party. This sense of being overlooked is a common theme in the song, as she describes herself as a ghost on the wall, always disappearing and never being the center of attention.
The chorus reveals her deep-seated desire to be "somebody to someone," highlighting the universal teenage longing for acceptance and recognition. However, she acknowledges that the traditional symbols of popularity, such as the prom queen sash and tiara, are not meant for her. By saying "Burn the sash and smash that tiara," she rejects these superficial markers of worth, even as she struggles with the pain of not fitting into that mold. This rejection is both a form of self-empowerment and a coping mechanism to deal with her feelings of inadequacy.
In the latter part of the song, Turner tries to convince herself that being a prom queen is overrated, repeating the mantra "It's okay, it's okay." This repetition underscores her internal conflict and the difficulty of overcoming jealousy and self-doubt. The song captures the bittersweet reality of teenage life, where the desire for acceptance often clashes with the need to stay true to oneself. Turner's raw and honest lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in, making "Prom Queen" a poignant anthem for the overlooked and the misunderstood.