Little Bitch

The Specials' song "Little Bitch" is a raw and biting critique of youthful vanity, insecurity, and superficiality. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman who is struggling with her identity and self-worth. The song opens with a scene of fear and vulnerability, where the protagonist is so frightened by a noise in the night that she seeks comfort from her mother, despite their strained relationship. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the protagonist's deep-seated insecurities and the facade she maintains to cope with them.

The second verse shifts focus to the protagonist's girlfriend, a seventeen-year-old who embodies the fashion and attitudes of the time. The description of her layered hair, flared jeans, and the shared London flat highlights a superficial lifestyle that is more concerned with appearances than substance. The protagonist's own appearance is described in unflattering terms, emphasizing her lack of self-esteem and the societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards. The use of vivid imagery, such as the "plum coloured PVC wet look maxi-mac" and "ginger hair back in a bun," underscores the artificiality and pretentiousness of their world.

The final verse takes a darker turn, addressing themes of suicide and the desire for attention. The protagonist's contemplation of suicide is portrayed as a desperate attempt to gain validation and sympathy, rather than a genuine cry for help. The lyrics suggest that her actions are driven by a need to be noticed and to fit into a certain mold, rather than addressing the root causes of her unhappiness. The repeated refrain of "one, two" throughout the song adds a rhythmic urgency, mirroring the protagonist's frantic and confused state of mind. Ultimately, "Little Bitch" serves as a harsh commentary on the emptiness of a life lived for appearances and the destructive nature of seeking validation through superficial means.