Alanis’ Interlude

Art imitates life. It seeks to make sense of the world while challenging new and old conventions. In a post “Me Too” society, young women like Halsey work at defining this moment in their art. Halsey has masterfully challenged gender roles and an outdated patriarchal view of relationships in her new song, Alanis' Interlude. Halsey is shifting the focus of the differences between men and women, promoting the idea that we are indeed one.

Noticeably the track begins with an autotuned call to not chain your innocence.T-Pain? Is that you? This sentiment reminds the listener to follow one's true nature and not conform to societal pressure. The first verse examines what's required of a man and women physically. Does the man wear the suit? Is it ok for a woman to bite her nails? Halsey's response is simple, “who believes in needs like these”. In the second verse Halsey creates the image of a school girl eating in the bathroom out of shame. This adds another level of complexity to her social statement by putting body shaming in her crosshairs.

The song shifts between a chorus and a post chorus, highlighting two main points. The chorus works as commentary on the men who must change in the face of this social revolution. Halsey sings as if she is the desperate man, pleading for sex and promising change. The post chorus omits the need for labels, stating that men and women are equals. Further claiming the unity between the two as just love.

Halsey’s artistic expression in the post me too world will inform a new generation of boys, girls and every other gender identification out there. With heavy emboldening drums, the track feels reminiscent of the energetic and determined flow embodied in the movement.