Ryan Beatty, Genesis | LGBTQ Bopz

On the 4th edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2021), we highlight the LGBTQ bop, “Genesis” performed by Ryan Beatty.

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ring on the B-O-P-Z, like #SLAYYY! LGBTQ Bopz is a column t that embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians.  On LGBTQ Bopz we provide background info and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome and the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, on the 4^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2021), we highlight “Genesis” performed by Ryan Beatty.

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Theme & Lyrics

Sadly, Ryan Beatty doesn’t get enough recognition.  From my perspective, he writes compelling and honest songs about, well, boys.  In the mix, he also throws some spirituality into the mix.  On his debut album, Boy in Jeans, he spoke about a “God in Jeans”.  That said, I’m pretty sure that God wasn’t G-O-D but g-o-d – false idolatry? Regardless, I felt the vibe.  Beatty is similarly spiritual on “Genesis” or for the most pious, staunch Christians, a tad bit blasphemous! From a musical perspective, “Genesis” marks a gem from his 2020 sophomore album, Dreaming of David.

Beatty dives into religion though mentions the fact that he’s “Basically an atheist.” Red flags ? Of course, the reason why he’s an atheist is because he believes in a – wait for it – BOY! “He’s all that I believe in right now.” That ‘He’ seems to ‘David,’ who he’s totally infatuated with and has been ‘dreaming of’ the entire album.  Okay, I’m being a bit silly but not that silly! On the pre-chorus, he gets spiritual for an atheist, singing, “Ever since Jerusalem, had a change of heart / You went back to Genesis, found God, found God.”  Of course, David is a big deal in the Bible as part of the genealogy of Jesus.  The second verse is far more secular (and sexual):

“Erasing my intolerance to nicotine and you are quite the opposite
Lace it with what you offered me (Ooh)
Cured from the ivy, yeah (Yeah)
Roses on loan (Seein’ double)
Laid on a throne (Peripheral)
This is on the radio (Hold me tightly)
Say your name out loud
That's faith, that's fate (Now).”

That’s some faith alright! Still, the chorus references God, or, a god (“Am I the one you were looking for?”), and there’s also “Heaven’s in the room / Heaven made the rules.” True, though, again, it’s coming from a self-proclaimed atheist, right?

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Final Thoughts

The best way to describe this LGBTQ Bop is thought provoking.  Ryan Beatty gives us a little bit of everything.  We get some faith and spirituality, some sexual innuendo, and some surefire VIBEZ. I’m still at a loss for words why more people aren’t tuned into Beatty, particularly with his skills for writing some great songs about… BOYS. We’ll give you your flowers Ryan!

Also appears on :
13 Songs That Are Biblical – Sort of

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Ryan Beatty • Dreaming of David • Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope • 2020
Ryan Beatty, “Genesis”: LGBTQ Bopz No. 4 [: Anna Shvets, Brent Faulkner, Kurious, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay]

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