Queen

Perfume Genius' song 'Queen' is a powerful anthem that explores themes of identity, defiance, and the subversion of traditional norms. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of a figure who is both regal and broken, embodying a complex blend of strength and vulnerability. The repeated question, 'Don't you know your queen?' serves as a challenge to the listener, urging them to recognize and respect the speaker's authority and presence despite their imperfections and struggles.

The line 'No family is safe when I sashay' is particularly striking, suggesting that the speaker's mere existence and expression of their true self is a threat to conventional family structures and societal norms. This can be interpreted as a commentary on how non-conforming identities, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community, are often seen as disruptive or dangerous by mainstream society. The act of 'sashaying' here is a bold declaration of self, a refusal to be hidden or subdued.

Throughout the song, there is a juxtaposition of beauty and decay, as seen in lines like 'Flower bloom at my feet' and 'Cracked, peeling, riddled with disease.' This contrast highlights the duality of the speaker's experience, where moments of grace and power coexist with pain and marginalization. Perfume Genius, known for his deeply personal and often raw lyrical content, uses 'Queen' to assert his identity and challenge the listener to confront their own biases and preconceptions. The song is a celebration of resilience and the unapologetic embrace of one's true self, no matter how it may be perceived by others.