Finally, my last post is about One Direction’s last song on their “Take Me Home” album – Irresistible. This song made me swoon as an eleven year old and still does… I think girls all around the world can agree with me.
This song is about a love between two people that aren’t together anymore and the guy seems to have been let down. Whatever the girl did to hurt him makes him unsure and a little angry with their relationship status. Mostly, he is heartbroken, and even more hurt because he can’t come to the conclusion that he needs to let her go. He is convinced that she will always be the one for him. The girl seems to want to communicate by checking on him if he is alright and whether or not he will stay with her, but he refuses to really express how he feels because of the pain already afflicted between them. The lyrics,
“Heartache doesn’t last forever
I’ll say I’m fine
Midnight ain’t no time for laughing
When you say goodbye
It makes your lips so kissable
And your kiss unmissable
Your fingertips so touchable
And your eyes irresistible”
tell me that the guy in the song is trying to follow the traditional manly traits of “being a man” and “staying tough” by telling himself he’ll be fine and that heartache only lasts so long. He continues with “midnight ain’t no time for laughing” because he most likely doesn’t want to cry or show his feelings, so the artists avoid bringing up sadness by incorporating the word “laughing.” The following lyrics describe how her characteristics make her all that more irresistible now that he can’t have her. Overall, this song is sad but highlights beautiful qualities girls possess that most guys don’t realize are beautiful until they can’t have them anymore. These lyrics could incorporate the male gaze, but I think it’s more loving than objective.
Sex Role Theory is not incredibly apparent here, but we know that at the end of the day most males strive to have a girl to call their own whether it be for intentional or unintentional reasons. The typical man, crafted by society, is successful in business, has a girl or multiple girl partners, and has a body type and ego that keeps him “at the top.” No guy wants to look small, unsuccessful, or like a loser and I’ve noticed that that is the basis of most One Direction songs (either the band chooses to show their vulnerability or their confidence). Girls like me fall for this type of thing which is why their songs, looks, and success as artists created a huge fanbase all around the world. In some ways, these boys have set standards for women while truly connecting with fans, but as much as my eleven year old heart hates to admit it, most of their songwriting was all about money, fame, and competition as a band. Nonetheless, One Direction has clearly stuck with people through their teenage and even college years, and continues to send both realistic and unrealistic messages to their audience.
Shared by: Elyse Hornung
Image Credit: One Direction Wiki Fandom
