Pretty Hurts
Beyoncé, Harvey Keitel
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Mama said, you're a pretty girl What's in your head it doesn't matter Brush your hair, fix your teeth What you wear is all that matters Just another stage Pageant the pain away This time I'm gonna take the crown Without falling down, down Pretty hurts Shine the light on whatever's worse Perfection is the disease of a nation Pretty hurts Shine the light on whatever's worse Tryna fix something But you can't fix what you can't see It's the soul that needs the surgery Blonder hair, flat chest TV says bigger is better South beach, sugar free Vogue says Thinner is better Just another stage Pageant the pain away This time I'm gonna take the crown Without falling down, down, down Pretty hurts Shine the light on whatever's worse Perfection is the disease of a nation Pretty hurts Shine the light on whatever's worse Tryna fix something But you can't fix what you can't see It's the soul that needs the surgery Ain't no doctor or therapeutic that can take the pain away The pain's inside And nobody frees you from your body It's the soul that needs surgery It's my soul that needs surgery Plastic smiles and denial can only take you so far And you break when the paper signs you in the dark You left a shattered mirror And the shards of a beautiful girl Pretty hurts Shine the light on whatever's worse Perfection is the disease of a nation Pretty hurts Shine the light on whatever's worse Tryna fix something But you can't fix what you can't see It's the soul that needs the surgery When you're alone all by yourself And you're lying in your bed Reflection stares right into you Are you happy with yourself It's just a way to masquerade The illusion has been shed Are you happy with yourself Are you happy with yourself Yes
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Written by: Beyonce Knowles, Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Creation and Idea"Pretty Hurts" was conceptualized and co-created by Australian singer and songwriter Sia as a part of Beyoncé's self-titled studio album which was released in 2013.
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Theme and MessageThe song carries a powerful message about the pursuit of physical perfection and the emotional and psychological harm it often may cause. It discusses the pressures put on people, especially women, to meet society's unrealistic beauty standards.
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Musical Style"Pretty Hurts" is primarily a pop and R&B song with soul influences. The production is anchored by an understated electronic beat, and the composition is noted for its rich vocal harmonies.
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Critical ReceptionThe track received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised Beyoncé's vocal performance and the song's exploration of beauty ideals.
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Awards"Pretty Hurts" won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Social Message in 2014, reflecting its powerful thematic resonance.
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Music VideoThe music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, portrays Beyoncé as a participant in beauty pageants. The video portrays the negative impacts and pressures of such events.
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Chart PerformanceDespite not being officially released as a single, "Pretty Hurts" entered the charts in several countries due to strong digital sales following the album's release. It peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
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Influence and ImpactFollowing the release of the song, 'Pretty Hurts' lent itself to wider conversations about beauty standards, body image, and feminism. This made it an influential work within Beyoncé's discography.
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Original Intended ArtistsOriginally, the song was meant to be performed by either Katy Perry or Rihanna before it was presented to Beyoncé, who immediately connected with the message of the track.
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Use in Media"Pretty Hurts" has been used in various forms of media, including television shows and social campaigns, to raise awareness about beauty standards, self-esteem, and body positivity.
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Citation
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"Pretty Hurts Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30755649/Beyonc%C3%A9/Pretty+Hurts>.
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