Beauty
No.A Lyrics

The lyrics to No.A's song "Beauty" touch on themes of societal pressure, self-image, and the harmful obsession with physical appearance. The first verse describes a "damsel in distress," hinting at the idea of a woman who is submissive and dependent on others. The somberness of the singer's vanity suggests that the obsession with beauty has taken a toll on their self-esteem.

The second verse highlights the struggle of conforming to societal standards, using phrases such as "cookie cutter" and "ugly duckling." The singer feels that they will always suffer because they don't meet the expectations set by society. The mention of contaminated standards implies a recognition that these beauty ideals can be harmful, but the singer is still trying to fight against them. The mention of dieting reveals the pressure to have a certain body shape or size.

The chorus emphasizes the obsession with beauty contests, which can be seen as a metaphor for the constant comparison and competition that exists in society. The repetition of "Beauty contest" amplifies the fixation on physical appearance. The singer questions how their vanity reached such a mess and expresses the desire to escape from this unhealthy mindset.

The third verse delves deeper into the struggle of conforming to beauty standards. The singer feels the need to reduce themselves and restrict their actions to fit the expectations placed upon them. They believe that without adhering to these regulations, they are not seen as sexy. The mention of a "melting point countdown" suggests that their features are fading and they feel the pressure to blossom and succeed before time runs out.

In the bridge, the singer admits their own vulnerability and envy towards others who seem to effortlessly meet society's beauty standards. They feel like a victim of the "cattle call disease," a reference to the dehumanizing nature of constantly being judged and compared to others. The line "not easy to be me" highlights the struggles that come with trying to meet society's beauty standards.

The chorus is repeated in the latter part of the song, emphasizing the obsession with the beauty contest and the desperation to escape. The repetition of "Caught up in the beauty contest" reflects the feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle of comparison and self-judgment. The final line "My vanity's a mess" reveals the singer's realization that their preoccupation with physical appearance has left them feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled.

Overall, the lyrics of "Beauty" convey the damaging effects of societal beauty standards and the emotional turmoil that can result from an unhealthy obsession with physical appearance. The song highlights the need to break free from these expectations and embrace one's inner beauty and self-worth.