Beautiful Little Fools

Jorja Smith's song "Beautiful Little Fools" delves into the societal expectations placed on women, critiquing the notion that their primary value lies in their physical appearance. The repeated phrase "beautiful little fools" underscores the idea that women are often reduced to their looks, destined to be admired rather than respected for their intellect or individuality. This phrase is a direct reference to F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," where Daisy Buchanan expresses a similar sentiment about her daughter, wishing her to be "a beautiful little fool" because she believes that is the best way for a woman to navigate a patriarchal society.

The lyrics question the existence of truly independent women who embrace their flaws and present their authentic selves to the world. Smith challenges the listener to consider where these women are, suggesting that societal pressures often force them to conform to superficial standards of beauty. The line "Most of these girls pick up her brush... their face is a canvas" highlights how many women feel compelled to alter their appearance to fit a certain ideal, becoming mere reflections of Hollywood's unrealistic standards rather than their true selves.

Smith also touches on the generational aspect of these expectations, referencing Zelda and Daisy, characters from "The Great Gatsby," to illustrate how these ideals are passed down. The song ultimately questions why women can't simply be themselves instead of conforming to the role of "beautiful little fools." By repeating the phrase throughout the song, Smith emphasizes the pervasive nature of these societal pressures and calls for a reevaluation of what it means to be a woman in today's world.