Released: 2023
Megan Moroney’s ‘I’m Not Pretty’ is a defiant anthem that addresses the scrutiny and judgment women often face, particularly in the age of social media. The song is a candid portrayal of a woman who’s being cyberstalked by her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend, but she refuses to let the negativity affect her self-esteem.
The opening lines reveal that the protagonist’s name has been mentioned to her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend, sparking curiosity and leading her to investigate Moroney’s life. The phrase ‘down a rabbit hole spinnin” is a metaphor for the obsessive and unending scrolling through social media profiles.
In the line ‘Did you mean to double tap that spring break throw back from 2016 in PCB?’, Moroney reveals that the new girlfriend has been snooping around her old Instagram posts. ‘PCB’ is a shorthand for Panama City Beach, a popular spring break destination.
The chorus, ‘Somewhere out there my ex boyfriends New girlfriend scrolled through my Instagram…’ shows the protagonist’s awareness of the new girlfriend’s actions. She criticizes the pettiness of it all, suggesting that there must be better things to talk about.
The phrase ‘I’m the queen of the mean girls committee’ is a sarcastic remark, indicating that the protagonist is being unfairly judged and criticized. She’s essentially saying, ‘If you want to see me as the villain, go ahead.’
The line ‘bless your heart’ is a Southern colloquialism often used in a condescending or sarcastic manner. It’s a polite way of saying ‘you’re clueless.’ In this context, it’s a subtle dig at the new girlfriend’s judgmental attitude.
The lyrics ‘I’m not pretty, I’m not cool, I’m just one of those girls that peaked in highschool’ is a sarcastic response to the criticism she’s facing. She’s essentially saying, ‘If it makes you feel better to think less of me, go ahead.’
The repeated phrase ‘I’m not pretty’ is a sarcastic rebuttal to the implied criticism from the new girlfriend. It’s a confident assertion that she doesn’t need anyone else’s validation to feel good about herself.
Overall, ‘I’m Not Pretty’ is a song about standing strong in the face of judgment and negativity. It’s a celebration of self-confidence and a critique of the toxicity that can come with social media scrutiny.
