Pop Tart (Unreleased)
Harry Styles
The Struggle for Authenticity in 'Pop Tart' by Harry Styles
In 'Pop Tart (Unreleased),' Harry Styles delves into the complexities of identity and the pressures of living up to societal expectations. The song paints a vivid picture of a woman who embodies a glamorous, almost unattainable lifestyle, complete with gold sunglasses and a fur coat. This woman is not just a figure of beauty but also of power, as she has men 'eating out the palm of [her] hand.' The narrator, presumably Styles himself, finds himself caught in a web of trying to be someone he is not, just to gain her approval.
The recurring theme of 'doing my best to be an interesting man' highlights the internal struggle of the narrator. He is constantly trying to measure up to the woman's standards, which seem to be ever-changing and elusive. The metaphor of the 'pop-tart' serves as a symbol of superficiality and fleeting satisfaction. While the woman enjoys the simple pleasure of a pop-tart, the narrator realizes that he is merely a 'pop star,' someone who is perhaps seen as shallow or lacking depth. This realization is further emphasized by the line, 'That's why you put me on ice,' suggesting that he feels sidelined or not taken seriously.
The song also touches on themes of materialism and the transient nature of relationships. The woman spends her summers on a yacht and has a place in Barcelona, yet she is 'late on the rent,' indicating a life that is glamorous on the surface but perhaps unstable underneath. The narrator's attempts to impress her with 'good conversation and a drink in [his] hand' seem futile, as he grapples with the notion that he may never be enough for her. This struggle for authenticity and acceptance is a poignant reflection of the pressures many face in today's image-conscious society.
'Pop Tart' is a compelling exploration of the lengths to which people go to fit into certain molds, often at the expense of their true selves. It serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and the pitfalls of trying to be someone you're not, just to gain approval or love from others.