On the 6th of September, Melanie Martinez released her second studio album, K-12, four years since the release of her first studio album, Cry Baby.
Martinez, a songwriting mogul, reignited her four-year hiatus not only through a hefty list of songs that might I mention, are phenomenal, but also with a massive film production made to tell the story of the album. This made everything about the release just astonishing. Written and directed by Martinez herself, the film presents a condemned version of reality about bullying, mental health, and female empowerment. In an interview with People TV, she talks more about the meaning and importance of the film to her as she has been in the process of building it since day one. She says, “my main goal too was just to make sure that I was creating music and art that can help people heal in some way, shape, or form.” Furthermore, she explains that her deep concern in making the film was to present the reality of bullying and that an individual’s insecurities drew root causes to the acts of bullying being done.
On the surface, K-12 looks like a French victorian school musical that takes place in a cute, pastel dream. However, looking deeper and watching further, the film explores not only aspects of the female body and gender roles, but also touches on mental health, bullying, and totally encompassing a life-lesson. With now over 27 million views, the full film is available on her YouTube-Account, so give that some of your time on the weekend.
If you’re not hooked just yet, I’ve taken the time to pick out some of the songs from the album that needs special recognition for their underlying messages.
Strawberry Shortcake
This song encompasses what it’s like to be a woman in an age where most images of humanity are plastered through online platforms. It starts off with an introduction to how Melanie feels about her body as she compares it to unrealistic images, like Barbie. This song shows how women are being stigmatized and sexualized in society and in the dense online community. Not only that, but Melanie also expresses her thoughts on how men have been taught to remove women from realistic expectations as emphasized by the chorus:
Now, the boys want a taste of this strawberry shortcake
No one taught them not to grab
Now, the boys want a taste of this strawberry shortcake
Related: Insatiable? More Like Unacceptable.
Show and Tell
Show and Tell is one of the songs on the album that directly approaches how some individuals may take control of our lives either from a bullying standpoint or from a romantic standpoint. The song elaborates on the dangers of being taken advantage of and actually taking that initiative to be in a place where the insecurities brought upon you has made you feel that you’re not enough for something better. This song goes through the process of breaking walls down and realizing one’s worth. Here’s a small snippet of the lyrics from the song:
Show and tell (show and tell, baby)
I’m on display for all you fuckers to see (fuckers to see)
Harsh words if you don’t get a pic with me
Unless you fucked every authority
Recess
Last, but not least, Recess is a song that tugs at my tear ducts, since it directly refers to our own need to take care of our mental health. Without realizing it, we live through our days like its a routine procedure. We spend most of our days working, studying, balancing financial obligations, family responsibilities, and even relationships. Eventually, we forget that we have a choice to stop and take care of ourselves. We get so used to moving in a fast-paced environment that when we’re not doing anything, we feel like something’s wrong. This song wants people to understand that taking a break is okay, and should never be a burden on your life because all you have is yourself to take care of the most. Here is a snippet to the song:
“If you need a break, someone will take your place”
To tell you that you’re fine with dollars in their eyes
Don’t let them fuck you, honey, no oh
Ooh, don’t let them hurt you, baby
Related: 7 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care
In this magnificent film debut and album launch, Melanie Martinez teaches us not only about our own insecurities but also about the layers of our emotions that can get entangled in the functions of life. To accept our flaws and treat them like gold, is what I would say, but more than that, it’s an album on mental health, bullying, and feminism. It’s a life lesson that everyone should be listening to.