Miley Cyrus’ new “Wrecking Ball” music video has been causing discussion; but is there a deeper meaning behind it? Twerking at MTV’s Video Music Awards, dancing with teddy bears, eating money sandwiches. What is Miley doing? I know you’re tired of hearing about her, but this needs to be thought about.
By now, the majority has seen or heard about Miley’s new “Wrecking Ball” music video. And initially, I had the same reaction you probably did when I first watched it: What in the world is she doing now? Naked on a dirty wrecking ball, licking a sledgehammer, laying in rubble in a crop top and underwear; any person in their right mind would question it. But watch it a second time.
The opening extreme close up shot of just Miley’s face is a peek into the pain that she is feeling. You can see it in her eyes. Her nakedness is a metaphor for her vulnerability and how the pain she is feeling has left her stripped down to nothing. Rumors are floating around about Miley and her fiance Liam Hemsworth’s relationship. Last I read, they were rocky and currently taking a break, which makes the lyrics of the song make more sense. You can actually feel the passion while she’s singing. It makes you feel a piece of what she is going through. Towards the end of the video, she practically has a breakdown on camera.
As the main audience for artists today, our generation tracks their every move. We know who they’re dating, when they got pregnant, and what their dog eats for lunch. But do we actually know? These songs that are on the Top 40 lists that we listen to every day are the outlets for these normal people. “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake was written about his late grandfather. “Warrior” by Demi Lovato is about her struggles with depression, cutting and bulimia. “Wrecking Ball” is just another outlet song for Miley to express her feelings.
Today, pop songs are becoming more personal than they were when we were growing up. N’Sync and Backstreet Boys’ songs were not really about them. You get a closer look into the lives of the artists. Compare Miley’s “Party in the USA” and “Wrecking Ball”. “Party in the USA” has no substantial meaning or look into Miley’s life, but “Wrecking Ball” is so personal.
Could she have done without riding the wrecking ball naked? Yes. And she could have gone with softer makeup to portray her vulnerability better. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but we don’t really know what’s going on in celebrities’ lives even if we think we do.
Esaili is a junior majoring in journalism.
