Pretty Hurts

Beyoncé, Harvey Keitel

About Pretty Hurts

"Pretty Hurts" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her eponymous fifth studio album (2013). It impacted mainstream radio in the United States on June 10, 2014, as the fourth single from the album. The song was written by Sia, Beyoncé and Ammo, and its production was handled by the latter two. "Pretty Hurts" was initially written for Katy Perry and then offered to Rihanna; both artists failed to record the track and as a result it was sent to Beyoncé instead. It is a power pop and soul ballad, instrumentally complete with a sparse background honed with the use of synths, minor chords and a "booming" drum beat. The track's lyrical content deals with subjects of third-wave feminism, self-empowerment and body image. Additionally, the song's lyrics deal with the consequences of society's high standards of beauty, and in "Pretty Hurts" eating disorders are depicted as one of the subjected results. "Pretty Hurts" won in the category for Best Video with a Social Message at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards and was named the best track of 2014 by the Associated Press. Following the release of Beyoncé, the track charted in the lower regions internationally. It failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 63 on the UK Singles Chart. However, the song became Beyoncé's 21st number one on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart, and was placed at number four on its 2014 year-end chart. 


Year:
2013
4:17
48 

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Mama said, you're a pretty girl
What's in your head it doesn't matter
Brush your hair, fix your teeth
What you wear is all that matters

Just another stage
Pageant the pain away
This time I'm gonna take the crown
Without falling down, down

Pretty hurts
Shine the light on whatever's worse
Perfection is the disease of a nation
Pretty hurts
Shine the light on whatever's worse
Tryna fix something
But you can't fix what you can't see
It's the soul that needs the surgery

Blonder hair, flat chest
TV says bigger is better
South beach, sugar free
Vogue says
Thinner is better

Just another stage
Pageant the pain away
This time I'm gonna take the crown
Without falling down, down, down

Pretty hurts
Shine the light on whatever's worse
Perfection is the disease of a nation
Pretty hurts
Shine the light on whatever's worse
Tryna fix something
But you can't fix what you can't see
It's the soul that needs the surgery

Ain't got no doctor or pill that can take the pain away
The pain's inside
And nobody frees you from your body
It's the soul that needs surgery
It's my soul that needs surgery
Plastic smiles and denial can only take you so far
And you break when the paper signs you in the dark
You left a shattered mirror
And the shards of a beautiful girl

Pretty hurts
Shine the light on whatever's worse
Perfection is the disease of a nation
Pretty hurts
Shine the light on whatever's worse
Tryna fix something
But you can't fix what you can't see
It's the soul that needs the surgery

When you'r alone all by yourself
And you're lying in your bed
Reflection stares right into you
Are you happy with yourself
It's just a way to masquerade
The illusion has been shed
Are you happy with yourself
Are you happy with yourself
Yes

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Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter (born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child, and rose to fame in the late 1990s as lead singer of R&B girl-group Destiny's Child. Managed by her father, Mathew Knowles, the group became one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. Their hiatus saw the release of Beyoncé's debut album, Dangerously in Love (2003), which established her as a solo artist worldwide, earned five Grammy Awards and featured the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy". more »

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Written by: Beyonce Knowles, Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation and Idea
"Pretty Hurts" was conceptualized and co-created by Australian singer and songwriter Sia as a part of Beyoncé's self-titled studio album which was released in 2013.
Theme and Message
The song carries a powerful message about the pursuit of physical perfection and the emotional and psychological harm it often may cause. It discusses the pressures put on people, especially women, to meet society's unrealistic beauty standards.
Musical Style
"Pretty Hurts" is primarily a pop and R&B song with soul influences. The production is anchored by an understated electronic beat, and the composition is noted for its rich vocal harmonies.
Critical Reception
The track received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised Beyoncé's vocal performance and the song's exploration of beauty ideals.
Awards
"Pretty Hurts" won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Social Message in 2014, reflecting its powerful thematic resonance.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, portrays Beyoncé as a participant in beauty pageants. The video portrays the negative impacts and pressures of such events.
Chart Performance
Despite not being officially released as a single, "Pretty Hurts" entered the charts in several countries due to strong digital sales following the album's release. It peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
Influence and Impact
Following the release of the song, 'Pretty Hurts' lent itself to wider conversations about beauty standards, body image, and feminism. This made it an influential work within Beyoncé's discography.
Original Intended Artists
Originally, the song was meant to be performed by either Katy Perry or Rihanna before it was presented to Beyoncé, who immediately connected with the message of the track.
Use in Media
"Pretty Hurts" has been used in various forms of media, including television shows and social campaigns, to raise awareness about beauty standards, self-esteem, and body positivity.

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