21st Century Girls

Olivia Rodrigo's '21st Century Girls' delves into the pressures and unrealistic expectations faced by young women in the modern era. The song paints a picture of a girl who seems to have it all: beauty, wealth, and a life that others envy. The lyrics describe a girl with 'long blonde hair' and a 'millionaire' father, emphasizing the societal standards of beauty and success that are often glamorized. Rodrigo's portrayal of this girl highlights the superficiality of these standards and the way they are perpetuated through social media and popular culture.

The chorus of '21st Century Girls' reflects the internal conflict Rodrigo feels, acknowledging the artificial nature of these ideals ('I know it isn't real, it's all so stupid') while also admitting to the emotional impact they have ('But digital love, it still feels real to me'). The song captures the dichotomy between knowing that the images of perfection are curated and often unattainable, yet still feeling the pressure to conform to them. Rodrigo's candid lyrics express the struggle of trying to navigate self-worth in a world that constantly bombards young women with images of 'perfect' and 'flawless' lives.

Through '21st Century Girls,' Rodrigo taps into a universal feeling of inadequacy that many young people face. She articulates the desire to be loved and accepted in a society that values perfection, and the difficulty in reconciling that desire with the knowledge that such perfection is a facade. The song serves as a commentary on the impact of social media on self-esteem and the importance of recognizing one's own value beyond the superficial standards set by the 21st-century digital landscape.