Rainbow High
Madonna
The Dazzling Ascent of Eva Perón: Madonna's 'Rainbow High'
Madonna's 'Rainbow High' is a vibrant and theatrical portrayal of Eva Perón's rise to fame and power in Argentina. The song is part of the musical 'Evita,' which chronicles the life of Eva Perón, the wife of Argentine President Juan Perón. Through the lyrics, Madonna captures Eva's transformation from a humble background to a glamorous and influential figure adored by the masses. The song emphasizes the importance of image and spectacle in Eva's journey, highlighting her need to be dazzling and captivating to maintain her influence and fulfill the expectations of her followers.
The repeated references to physical attributes and fashion items, such as 'Eyes, hair, mouth, figure' and 'Dress, voice, style, movement,' underscore the meticulous crafting of Eva's public persona. The lyrics 'I came from the people, they need to adore me / So Christian Dior me from my head to my toes' reflect Eva's understanding of the power of appearance and her willingness to embrace luxury and glamour to connect with the people. The use of high-fashion brands and iconic figures like Christian Dior and Lauren Bacall further emphasizes the theme of transformation and the construction of a larger-than-life image.
The song also touches on the duality of Eva's role as both a savior and a product of the people. Lines like 'I'm their product, it's vital you sell me' and 'I'm their savior, that's what they call me' reveal the pressure Eva feels to live up to the expectations of her supporters. The phrase 'Rainbow High' symbolizes Eva's aspiration to be a beacon of hope and excitement, not just for herself but for the entire nation. The song's energetic and glamorous tone mirrors Eva's relentless drive to achieve and maintain her star quality, making 'Rainbow High' a powerful anthem of ambition, image, and the pursuit of greatness.