Song: “Ghost” (click here for lyrics)
Artist: Ella Henderson
Overall Message:
〉This song is about her ex and how even though they aren’t together anymore, her ex’s “ghost” is still having a negative effect on her. The song suggests that this relationship was very toxic and left her feeling damanged.
Analyzing the Lyrics:
〉Stereotypical Feminine Traits
- Emotional: “I keep going to the river to pray ’cause I need something that can wash out the pain”
- These lyrics are describing how she still is hung up on her past relationship and feeling the pain from it. This common stereotype discusses how women are more emotional because it takes them longer to move on and they remain sensitive on the subject.
- Crazy: “I had to go through hell to prove I’m not insane”
- This phrase is aiming toward the fact that her relationship made her go crazy and drove her insane. She could have felt they had a lot of control over her, hence taking over her emotions.
- Submissive: “But your ghost, the ghost of you it keeps me awake” and “I let you under my skin”
- These lyrics are suggesting that her ex still has a hold over her and is controlling her emotions. Her ex’s essence is still taking a toll on her and taking over how she feels.
〉Counterstereotypical Feminine Traits
- Willing to take a stand: “Give up the ghost, no more haunting baby”
- This lyrics are concluding that she finally wants to get rid of her ex’s ghost and move on from the pain she felt. She finally realizes that her ex can’t keep knocking her down.
Stay tuned for the next post on…Mariah Carey!
Shared by: Emily Calewarts
Image Credit: https://music.allaccess.com/the-pop-super-star-ella-henderson-discusses-working-with-ryan-tedder-and-how-her-song-ghost-has-transformed-her-life/