This song is about the beauty standards that society expects women to meet. It acknowledges the pain that can be caused by this pursuit of unrealistic standards. It discusses the possible mental health repercussions and and how society is never satisfied. Beyonce sings, ‘Perfection is a disease of a nation’ thus critiquing the American obsession with competition and beauty. Her other message is ‘that the soul needs the surgery’ acknowledging the pain perfection inflicts on women, whilst pointing out that surgery cannot deliver what really counts, internal self-worth. She asks at the end of the song ‘are you happy with yourself’ asking her listeners to be reflective about who they truly are.
Link to Lyrics: https://genius.com/Beyonce-pretty-hurts-lyrics
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