“SO CUTE”, performed by 3pac and Justin Bieber, conveys an interesting mix of themes, emotions, and messages that edge between the realms of romantic love, self-perception, competition, and camaraderie.
The parts sung by Justin Bieber offer a more traditional exploration of romantic love. We see the kind of devotion, admiration, and depth of emotion typically associated with pop love songs. It speaks of his humility, the soothing presence of his chosen partner, and the extent of his commitment, so much so that his spirit merges with hers. This tries to communicate the age-old, universally relatable story of deep and tottering love.
However, as we switch to the verses belted out by 3pac, there is a distinct change in narrative. These sections are imbued with youthful bravado, competitiveness, and a tinge of ego. The way the artist compares himself to his fellow musician reveals the underlying competitive spirit ingrained in the music industry. Moreover, the narrative about having been infants together, having grown up together, and being seen as ‘cute’ serves as an allegory for their journey in the music industry, bathed in nostalgia.
While the song continually reverberates a self-proclaimed cuteness, it’s more of a statement of confidence and individuality rather than physical attractiveness. Reclaiming the word ‘cute’, a term often linked to childlike innocence, and using it affirmatively is an interesting lyrical choice. It could be seen as the artists’ attempt to break the mold and redefine societal standards of attractiveness and acceptance.
Also notable is the recurrent theme of material wealth represented by repeated referrals to ‘cheddar’ (a slang term for money). The song seems to subtly comment on the relationship between success, wealth, and attractiveness, a notion widely prevalent in society.
In essence, “SO CUTE” presents a complex, layered narrative that merges romantic love with self-confidence, competition, camaraderie, and societal commentary. Its appeal lies in its raw honesty, refreshing self-assuredness, and the way it embraces both serious and lighthearted themes with equal panache. The song strikes a chord with listeners due to the familiarity of its themes – love and friendship, success and competition, ego and humility, which are all parts of the human experience.