Growing up in Ontario, Canada, Rhi took up piano lessons at 8 years old, playing mostly classical compositions which continue to influence her music. Growing up on a diet of classic rock, Rhi went to concerts in Toronto to see artists like Jethro Tull, Jeff Beck and Alice Cooper with her father. Soon after she was introduced to bands like System of A Down and Nirvana, and by the age of 14 she was playing guitar and writing her own songs. As with classical music, her early exposure to grunge has played a role in forming her current sound.
Rhi moved to Ireland when she was 16, before moving to Brighton the following year to study music. Writing more and treading heavier musical paths, she leaned towards alt-rock and grunge influences before forming three-piece alt-rock band Monochrome Mary in 2013. Whilst travelling in 2014, Rhi was introduced to FKA Twigs’ ‘EP2’, which kick started her passion to become a producer.
‘The Pale Queen’ is the self-produced second album from Rhi; “for this album, I wanted my bass lines to be more present and my beats to be more sophisticated”, she explains. Taking inspiration from the works of David Foster Wallace, her second LP pairs simmering production with hip-hop and classical influences driven by bass heavy beats, as Rhi creates a space for herself to evolve, both lyrically and musically, exposing each track as more honest and open than the last.
Plain Jane
Rhi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plain Jane
Dirty blonde hair, a forgettable face
I got no control of my jeans, nah
Bum′s too tight
I'm comfy in trackies
I half-ass stopped with the make up
Fuck the cover-up and
What you see is what you get, eh
Red lippie, yeah
Every now and again
I′m a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I'm a natural, natural, natural lady
I'm a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I′m a natural, natural, natural lady
Long name
Cut it short, it′s quicker to say
I got four tats, two rings in my face
Age 30, still getting ID'd
Slim limbs, dim, pale skin
Wearin′ baggy clothes
Frame out of focus
I'm 5′9", eh, stilettos?
Nah, kicks every day
I'm a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I′m a natural, natural, natural lady
I'm a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I'm a natural, natural, natural lady
Right lane, on the goal, flyin′ away
We can EQ, bust that bass
Speed dial on 80
The car shakes, rockin′
Black sunnies, a mask on me, split face
Sight good with the shades
Now you see me, now you don't eh?
Passenger? Nah, drivin′ all of the way
I'm a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I′m a natural, natural, natural lady
I'm a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I′m a natural, natural, natural lady
I'm a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I'm a natural, natural, natural lady
I′m a grunger, grunger, grunger baby
I′m a natural, natural, natural lady
The song "Plain Jane" by Rhi is about embracing oneself in their natural state without the need for embellishments or conforming to society's standards of beauty. The verses describe the singer as having "dirty blonde hair" and a "forgettable face," but she is comfortable in her own skin and the clothes she wears. She doesn't layer up with makeup, and a bit of mascara is all she needs to feel comfortable in her skin. The song features lyrics such as "What you see is what you get," and "I'm a natural, natural, natural lady," which emphasize the singer's confidence and self-acceptance.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase, "I'm a grunger, grunger, grunger baby. I'm a natural, natural, natural lady," suggesting that the singer belongs to the grunge subculture, which favors simplicity and minimalism over extravagant clothing or makeup. The singer's rebellious nature is also depicted in the bridge, as she drives recklessly with sunglasses and a split face mask, suggesting that she doesn't care about conventional societal norms.
Overall, "Plain Jane" promotes the idea that true beauty comes from within and that everyone should feel confident in their own unique features, without feeling the need to conform to societal ideals of beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
Plain Jane
The singer identifies herself as a Plain Jane, an ordinary person.
Dirty blonde hair, a forgettable face
The singer describes her appearance as nothing special or memorable.
I got no control of my jeans, nah Bum′s too tight
The singer feels uncomfortable with her tight-fitting jeans.
I'm comfy in trackies I half-assed stopped with the make-up Bit of mascara Fuck the cover-up and What you see is what you get, eh Red lippie, yeah Every now and again
The singer prefers to wear comfortable track pants and only applies minimal makeup. She wants people to see her for who she is, and only wears red lipstick occasionally.
I′m a grunger, grunger, grunger baby I'm a natural, natural, natural lady
The singer embraces her natural appearance and identifies as a grunge person.
Long name Cut it short, it's quicker to say
The singer has a long name but prefers to use a shorter version.
I got four tats, two rings in my face Age 30, still getting ID'd Slim limbs, dim, pale skin Wearin′ baggy clothes Frame out of focus I'm 5′9" eh, stilettos? Nah, kicks every day
The singer has tattoos and facial piercings, but still looks young for her age. She has a thin body and pale skin, and prefers to wear loose-fitting clothes and sneakers.
Right lane, on the goal, flyin′ away We can EQ, bust that bass Speed dial on 80 The car shakes, rockin′ Black sunnies, a mask on me, split face Sight good with the shades Now you see me, now you don't eh? Passenger? Nah, drivin′ all of the way
The singer enjoys driving, listening to music with a strong bass. She wears sunglasses and feels hidden with a mask on. She is in control of the car and does not need a passenger.
Writer(s): Rhiannon Bouvier
Contributed by Colin P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JLaz92Channel
The feeling when you discover a gem and after digging a little more a dope artist... especially when she don't have the hype she's supposed to.
I'm amazed.
@sakikaskas
Things fall in place sometimes
@ArtVandelay-he3sz
This is one of the legit dopest songs I've heard in the past year plus. It just flows perfectly. The lyrics, the bass, the keys (guitar with a good echo pedal), subtle drum track. Just fantastic art.
@rachael4775
Uuughhhh soooo grooovyyyyYYYY
@alexismadic7570
Yoooooo what is that nonchalent vibes, i'm so stuck in there <3
@coheadam
Top notch production and a hypnotic vocal. How is this not a more well-known track?
@LAHA759
This is so underrated it's ridiculous
@netzach30
Love Rhi downtempo beats with fat bass and...adding her voice is a ++ good
@reddkard
Rhi.....I LOVE your low-maintenance mentality !! It’s refreshing !!!
@kittymaid420
There's something so dreamy about rhi's music. Very refreshing. Love it 😍❤️