If you asked me how I would summarize the song “Smile” by Wolf Alice after listening to it for this post, my answer would be femininity with a side of confidence and ownership. The four person band is fronted by lead singer Ellie Rowsell who also happens to be the only female in the group. Their song “Smile” off their latest album entitled “Blue Weekend” is a perfect example of putting the displays of the Sex Role Theory’s feminine traits to the test.
The song’s lyrics open with a packed first verse:
I am afraid though my steps appear tentative, I scope it out then I throw myself into it, I ain’t ashamed in the fact that I’m sensitive, I believe that it is the perfect adjective.
I wear my feelings on my sleeve I suggested it, it serves me better than to swallow in a sedative, I am what I am and I’m good at it, and you don’t like me well that isn’t f***ing relevant
Don’t call me mad there’s a difference I am angry, and your choice to call me cute has offended me, I have power there are people who depend on me, and even you have time you wish to spend on me.
I know you all think I’m unhinged, wind up up and this honey bee stings, did you think I was a puppet on strings? Wind her up and this honey bee sings!”
Reading through these lyrics, I noticed Ellie including a lot of the typical traits of femininity as listed by the Sex Role Theory such as sensitivity, sensitivity to others needs, tender, gentle, and eagerness to soothe feelings. However, what really stands out is her description of these traits that are generally seen as harmless and hesitant. Ellie is able to describe her feminine traits in a powerful manner that could be nearly described as masculinity in disguise. Normally, being described as sensitive and someone who wears their heart on their sleeve is seen as weak and gullible, but Ellie recognizes it’s a double-edged sword. People depend on her, she says, because of these “softer” traits and dependency gives her power. Another twist I noticed was her reference to a “honey-bee”, something that is normally described in a cute, affectionate way, but she reminders her audience that honey bee’s sting- and shes already told her audience that being called “cute” offended her. These lyrics spell out how her femininity is a force to be reckoned with, and she doesn’t want people to assume she is submissive because of it, she has the power to be the exact opposite.
When I looked into the band’s Instagram page, I found that in terms of outward expression at least, Ellie almost walks the line of being a little feminine and masculine. She wears a lot of trousers, blazers, tanks, and button ups, however she also wears dresses and makeup and keeps her hair longer than shoulder-length. Her clothing often “fits in with the guys” with the rest of her bandmates, while also maintaining her unique femininity with different hairstyles, dainty jewelry, and various makeup looks.
Shared by: Em von der Ruhr
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/wolfaliceband/