Intro:
My earliest experience with Melanie Martinez's music originated years ago. I danced to remix of
her song, "Pity Party," in 2015. I recalled loving the piece once I was introduced, and could only describe Melanie as insanely cool. My friends and I would pose like dolls, pacing around the house like robots blasting her songs. Currently, and now looking back, I think what initially interested me was Melanie's unique-ness and way of self-expression. She's executed numerous things that, to society, appeared entirely out of the ordinary, and not just made them work but set new trends and created titles for herself. For example, her now-iconic split dyed hair or strict pastel color pallet. Her concepts, perspectives, and execution are so distinct that it's almost hard not to obsess over it. At such a young age, she openly talks and spreads awareness about relatable issues in our current society, understanding them even if it's something she hasn't experienced first hand. In summary, I think Melanie inspires and will continue to encourage people to be themselves. She's presented herself as something offbeat and wasn't afraid of others' various opinions; that's what intrigued me.
Artist Background:
Melanie Martinez has grown to become an American singer, YouTuber, songwriter, artist, actress, director, photographer, and screenwriter.
Mel was born on April 28th, 1995, in Queens, until later moving to New York. While growing up, she listened to Shakira, Britney Spears, and the Beatles, which was her initial inspiration to start in the music industry. Ever since Melanie was young she was very emotional, mockingly getting called “cry baby,” by her peers. Interestingly enough, her debut album “Cry Baby” was based on some of these experiences and drove her further into success. I highly suggest giving the first track also titled, “Cry Baby” a listen. Continuing, her career originally began when she became the sixth finalist in the reality television show, “The Voice.” Being one of the most successful TV show products, she released her first single “Dollhouse” in 2014, her highest-rated single, which is certified Platinum by ‘RIAA.’ I think it's necessary to dive further into her unique physical appearance, which she built her public persona off of. I already mentioned her split dyed hair (inspired by Cruella Di-Ville from 101 Dalmations), and mainly pastel color pallet, but she also is fond of tattoos. She created a general doll-inspire, pin-up, slightly retro, alternative style that’s completely unique to her.
Song Introduction:
The song I am researching is called, “Orange Juice”. It was the ninth track on Melanie’s second album “K-12” and featured in the soundtrack of her movie “K-12” (2019). The song talks about bulimia, a complicated eating disorder. Melanie makes it clear and is open about how she writes and directs her own songs and music videos. In fact, she admits it’s irritating when people assume she's merely the face of something designed by others. "I look at my music as stories," Melanie explains. Melanie Martinez bases most of her songs on her, her friends, and her family's real-life experiences.
LY
RICS:
Oh, oh, stick it down your throat
I'm watching from the bathroom
Making sure I don't choke, choke
From the words you spoke
When you're screaming at the mirror
Now you're sitting in the cafeteria
Shoving clementines and orange bacteria
Down your throat a dozen times a year, yeah
For another 'round of your bulimia
You turn oranges to orange juice
Into there, then spit it out of you
Your body is imperfectly perfect
Everyone wants what the other one's working
No orange juice
Ee, ah, ee, ah, OJ (4x)
Oh, oh, I believe you chose
to blow it on the reading carpet
That's what happens when you're starving'
Please say that you won't continue
Ordering oranges off the menu
Stuffin' up your mouth like t-t-tissue
The way you look is not an issue
You turn oranges to orange juice
Into there, then spit it out of you
Your body is imperfectly perfect
Everyone wants what the other one's working
No orange juice
Ee, ah, ee, ah, OJ (4x)
Ooh, I wish I could give you my set of eyes
'Cause I know your eyes ain't working, mmm
I wish I could tell you that you're fine, so fine
But you will find that disconcerting
You
turn oranges to orange juice
Into there, then spit it out of you
Your body is imperfectly perfect
Everyone wants what the other one's working
No more orange juice
Ee, ah, ee, ah, OJ (4x)
Song Analysis:
Melanie, amazingly, crafted an entire movie with her album “K-12” as the soundtrack. The character she portrays in this movie is called Cry Baby, as mentioned earlier in the article, emanates from her childhood self. The album and movie are set in Cry Baby's school and is told from her perspective, describing flaws in our modern-day schooling system. According to Melanie, “it is Cry Baby stepping outside of her family life and love life and acting like a narrator” (Kaplan). Her aesthetically-pleasing movie is ultimately serving as a visual metaphor for how the world initially shapes us during the most primitive years of our lives.
Her song, Orange Juice, describes Cry Baby’s friend Fleur, and her struggles with Bulimia, an eating disorder of overeating and self-induced vomiting. “You turn oranges to orange juice,” hints at how people who have bulimia throw up their food after consumption. I believe Melanie wrote this song to spread awareness because unfortunately, eating disorders are most common in youth. In Fleur's case, her Bulimia is encouraged by the “popular girl” of the cliche she is in. This also brings up themes of peer pressure and other opinions, which is a big part of society as well. Melanie makes a point to say she thinks her friend (and everyone) is perfect the way she is, and how humans always strive for what they don’t have. These lyrics are, “Your body is imperfectly perfect, everyone wants what the other one’s working,” along with, “I wish I could give you my set of eyes, cause I know your eyes ain't working.”
The way Melanie vocalizes this song is very clever, the tone in her voice clearly has emotions packed on many different layers. You can hear understanding laced in the verses, describing how Cry Baby knows how hard it is to quit these habits. Though, you can also hear desperation, because she cares for her friend and knows she isn't healthy. This song, instrumentals, and vocals aren’t very aggressive, almost as if the listener will break if Melanie sings too aggressively (as she is expressing a sensitive topic). Although, there is still a confident bass in the background, possibly portraying the seriousness behind her soft tone.
Conclusion:
I think Melanie Martinez is an incredible example that (even) adults could learn from, advocating for concepts like body positivity, equality, and mental health awareness. Orange Juice in particular has an important meaning that should be more of a topic for education purposes, along with its catchy melody, and cool aesthetic. Thank you
Sources:
“Who Is Melanie Martinez? Everything You Need to Know.” Childhood, Life Achievements & Timeline, www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melanie-martinez-32659.php.
Suo, Jenny. “Melanie Martinez Opens up on New Album Inspiration.” Newshub, 21 Jan. 2016, www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2016/01/melanie-martinez-opens-up-on-new-album-inspiration.html.
Kaplan, Ilana. “From Evil Nurses To Shortcake Attacks: Exploring The Wild World of Melanie Martinez's 'K-12'.” Billboard, 7 Sept. 2019, www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8527955/melanie-martinez-k-12-cry-baby-album-interview.
Crybabyedit. “Melanie Martinez Orange Juice Icons.” Melanie Martinez Edits, 7 Sept. 2019, crybabyedit.tumblr.com/post/187552391844/melanie-martinez-orange-juice-icons.
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