Proom Queen

Pale Forest's song 'Proom Queen' delves deep into the themes of self-perception, insecurity, and societal judgment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their self-image, feeling 'ugly' and disfigured. This internal turmoil is exacerbated by the external pressures and judgments from others, symbolized by the 'Queen of the ball' and the 'magic mirror on the wall.' The mirror, a classic fairy tale reference, reflects not just physical appearance but the protagonist's inner demons and insecurities.

The repeated lines about being 'ugly' and the desire to hide this perceived ugliness highlight a profound sense of self-loathing. The protagonist feels that others are constantly trying to bring them down, to make their 'moans the only sound.' This suggests a world where the protagonist's pain and suffering are a source of amusement or satisfaction for others. The crown, a symbol of beauty and power, is ironically given to the 'new fool,' indicating that societal standards of beauty are both arbitrary and cruel.

The song also touches on the idea of transformation and the fear of being exposed. The protagonist feels something 'growing inside' and fears that their true, 'ugly' self will be discovered. This internal struggle is a powerful metaphor for the anxiety and fear that many people feel about not meeting societal expectations. The closing lines about others wanting to 'laugh behind my back' and 'dazzle me' underscore the superficiality and cruelty of societal judgments. 'Proom Queen' is a haunting exploration of the pain of self-perception and the harsh realities of societal beauty standards.