“pretty isn’t pretty”

21 -year-old Olivia Rodrigo’s second album GUTS released in 2023 and produced by Dan Nigro features one of my favorite songs. “pretty isn’t pretty” is the eleventh track off the album that speaks on femininity and beauty standards rather than the typical, romantic relationships. Rodrigo’s second album is a stark comparison from her first, Sour, in that it contains more upbeat, rock songs.

“pretty isn’t pretty” opens by listing the various ways in which women and femmes must adhere to societal standards: wearing makeup, maintaining a “proper” body structure by skipping sugar, and not expressing anger. Yet, Rodrigo exclaims that, despite following these demands, she still isn’t pretty enough. These lyrics reference the unattainable beauty standards that are implored onto women and femmes in today’s society. No matter what you do, there is always something more “cause pretty isn’t pretty enough,” just as the chorus reads.

The first time I heard this song, I was with my younger and older sister. Despite the age gaps between us all, a collective 9 years, each of us had tears in our eyes due to its relatability. As women, we found the lyrics to be simultaneously frustrating and empowering; However, aside from the physical elements of the song, “Pretty isn’t Pretty” is a point of connectivity for my sisters and I. In March, we very spontaneously decided to put on outfits and buy Olivia Rodrigo concert tickets for her performance at the United Center a mere three hours before showtime. We screamed and cried to “Pretty isn’t Pretty” with our arms inner linked. This is a memory I will never forget due to a three minute and nineteen second song.