Artist: Courtney Barnett
Song: Pedestrian At Best — Link to Lyrics here
Overview:
This analysis explores female-fronted punk/alternative rock bands and how their top song expresses emotions. I will be using The Sex-Role Perspective to examine what it means to be a woman according to women in a male-dominated genre. To best explore the Sex-Role Perspective, my analysis will highlight emotions that fall under stereotypically female and counter-stereotypical emotions pulled from Hyde (1995, p. 134).
Stereotypical emotions conveyed:
- Not susceptible to flattery
- Indecisive
- Sensitivity to others needs
- Eager to soothe hurt feelings
Contersterotypical emotions conveyed:
- Aggressive
- Forceful
- Analytical
Conclusion:
As a whole, this song explores her newfound fame and how a growing fanbase starts to distort the idea of herself. Moving from a small fanbase to being idolized or worshiped on a “pedestal” while feeling like she is no different from an average person– a pedestrian at her best.
As she sings, Barnett flips back and forth from idea to idea and cannot accept the person her fans think she is. In this, she exhibits strong stereotypical female emotions. Still, the word choice, tone, and emphasis in the audio suggest an aggressive and desperate plea to understand why her fans see her as above them.
Shared by: Zoe Green
Image Credit: https://slate.com/culture/2015/01/courtney-barnett-releases-pedestrian-at-best-the-first-song-off-the-brilliant-australians-new-album-video.html