Finally, a catchy pop song with a body-positive message!

“I know you think you’re fat
But I’m here to tell ya’
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top.”

Actually, I can think of a few others in this category—Colby Caillat’s “Try” is the first to come to mind. The optimist in me sees the beginning of a trend toward music and lyrics that bolsters body image and self-worth rather than insecurities and over-sexualization.

“I see the magazine workin’ that Photoshop
We know that shit ain’t real
C’mon now, make it stop
If you got beauty, beauty, just raise ’em up
‘Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top.”

Yes. This. This is a message about beauty that I actually want to hear coming from popular culture. I’m slightly amazed. This is what I want young girls (and boys, too) to hear as well.

Of course, we haven’t made it yet. The speaker’s beauty still comes from a place of male approval:

“Yeah, my mama she told me don’t worry about your size
She says, ‘Boys like a little more booty to hold at night.'”

(It’s okay to be bigger because guys like it. We’ll be there when the message is: it’s okay to be bigger. Period.)

And again:

“Yeah, it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I’m supposed to do.”
‘Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places.”

“Supposed to do” for and according to whom? No, we’re not there yet, but we are getting there. I think this song is a great example of that. It is undeniably body-positive and promotes self-acceptance.

Did I mention it’s extremely catchy and dance-able?

And finally, if young girls are going to be singing along to something, I would much rather it be this:

“You know I won’t be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that’s what you’re into then go ahead and move along.”

And not, oh, this: “Take my belt off b*tch I’m Pootie Tang,” (Big Sean) or this: “I’ll give you something big enough to tear your a** in two” (Robin Thicke).

Maybe, if they sing along enough times, they’ll start saying it in real life.

“Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top.”

Enjoy!

 

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Author: Toby Isreal

Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo: Youtube Screenshot