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Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 (2024) [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Camille C, Israyosoy S., Katie Rainbow ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ, Lisett Kruusimรคe, Luis Morales Torres, Mizuno K, Pavel Danilyuk, from Pexels]Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 ๐ŸŒˆ features songs by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Cole Redding, David Archuleta, Jake Trevor, and Sam Driborr.

โ€œOh my, such a relief / I can be me / I donโ€™t put on no show / Itโ€™s my first hello.โ€ Beautiful, honest, and authentic words, GRANT KNOCHE, you handsome, talented fella! Picture it, Sophia Petrillo: October 11, 2024 โ€“ the official publication date.ย  The year isnโ€™t important, but the month (October) and day (11th ) are.ย  Why? October 11 is National Coming Out Day. Last year on National Coming Out Day, I published 11 More Songs That Reference Coming Out ๐ŸŒˆ (2023).ย  That wasnโ€™t the first musical compendium of songs that referenced coming out. In 2019, the first playlist, 19 Songs That Reference Coming Out ๐ŸŒˆ (2019), arrived. On 10/11/2024, we return with another musical compendium referencing coming out, or LGBTQ happenings related to being โ€˜in the closetโ€™ or โ€˜out and proudโ€™ โ€“ Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 ย ๐ŸŒˆ. Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 ๐ŸŒˆ features songs by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Cole Redding, David Archuleta, Jake Trevor, and Sam Driborr. So, without further ado, prepare for an authentic, honest, and therapeutic listening experience with Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 ย ๐ŸŒˆ.


~ Table of Contents ~

1. Billie Eilish, โ€œLunchโ€

2. Todrick Hall, โ€œIโ€™M GAYโ€

3. VINCINT, โ€œLEANโ€

4. Chappell Roan, โ€œGood Luck, Babe!โ€

5. John Conlin, โ€œKissing Other Girlsโ€

6. HNTR ALLN, โ€œDTFโ€

7. The Pussyboys, โ€œdumb boy energyโ€

8. Sam Driborr, โ€œOut of the Closetโ€

9. Matt Terry, โ€œHis Carโ€

10. Jake Trevor, โ€œFather Donโ€™t Forgive Meโ€

11. Lynks, โ€œUSE IT OR LOSE ITโ€

12. David Archuleta, โ€œHell Togetherโ€

13. Cole Redding, โ€œGay Americanaโ€


1. Billie Eilish, โ€œLUNCHโ€

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT // Darkroom / Interscope // 2024

Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT [๐Ÿ“ท: Darkroom / Interscope]โ€œI could eat that girl for lunch / Yeah, she dances on my tongue / Taste like she might be the one.โ€ Academy and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Billie Eilish is honest regarding attraction and sexuality in her song, โ€œLUNCHโ€. โ€œIโ€™m interested in more than just beinโ€™ your friend,โ€ she adds in the bridge. โ€œLUNCHโ€ is the second track from her critically acclaimed, third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT.ย  An authentic, honest, and personal track, Eilish embraces her queerness. In 2023, she came out unintentionally, stating she didnโ€™t know people were unaware of her attraction to women. Early on โ€œLUNCH,โ€ Eilish is transparent about having a relationship with a woman. She adds in the centerpiece, the chorus, โ€œItโ€™s a craving, not a crush.โ€ The lyric legitimizes her desire โ€“ itโ€™s no fluke.

In the verses, Eilish โ€˜opens upโ€™ about her feelings about this girl. All the while, she maintains the lunch metaphor.ย  โ€œBaby, I think you were made for me / Somebody write down the recipe,โ€ she sings in the first verse, adding, โ€œBeen tryinโ€™ hard not to overeat / Youโ€™re just so sweet.โ€ Things progress, with Eilish offering to help this girl โ€˜take off her clothes,โ€™ desiring to โ€œget her off.โ€ In the second verse, sheโ€™s impressed with her beautiful looks, complimenting her skin.ย  She cleverly concludes the verse by singing, โ€œSheโ€™s the headlights, Iโ€™m the deer.โ€ What makes โ€œLUNCHโ€ impressive is how vulnerable Eilish allows herself to be. Navigating sexuality is difficult.ย  That is an understatement!ย  Here, with her amazing, distinct voice, and the stellar production of her right-hand man, FINNEAS, Eilish conveys her truth, masking nothing. This โ€œLUNCHโ€ is delicious and makes us beam ear to ear with Pride ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ.

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2. Todrick Hall, โ€œIโ€™M GAYโ€

ICON // Todrick Hall // 2024

Todrick Hall, ICON [๐Ÿ“ท: Todrick Hall]โ€œIโ€™m that bitch, itโ€™s not another / I like dick pics so take my number / And pass that shit on to your brother / Iโ€™m gay (You sure?) / Iโ€™m gay (Okay). Todrick Hall is G-A-Y, period ๐Ÿ’…. That was a well-known fact before he unveiled โ€œIโ€™M GAYโ€, the third track from his 2024 EP, ICON. Hall has endured his fair share of controversies and has been characterized as problematic.ย  Despite being controversial, the former American Idol contestant is a talented singer, songwriter, and social media personality. โ€œIโ€™M GAYโ€ is a prime example of Hall doing what he does best โ€“ music.ย  Throughout the song, Hall expresses why he is gay. He highlights things (stereotypes) often associated with gay males.ย  His taste in music is led by sickening girls: Cher, Madonna, Beyoncรฉ, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande.ย  In the second verse, he focuses on drag queens, asserting, โ€œBitch, I gag for RuPaul.โ€ He also shouts out Trixie Mattel and Alaska Thunderfuck among others who competed on RuPaulโ€™s Drag Race.ย  In the chorus, he proudly asserts, โ€œIโ€™m gayโ€ many times.ย  In the bridge, he is even gayer, encouraging โ€œTwinks, twanks, twunks, letโ€™s douche,โ€ proudly confirming his LGBT card, and has โ€œA packet full of poppers.โ€ Also, canโ€™t neglect to mention other gay types (bears, wolves, otters, silver foxes, leather daddies, big bottoms) and popular apps (Scruff and Grindr). Todrick is controversial and polarizing. But, โ€œIโ€™M GAYโ€ is also engaging, fun, and sleekly produced.

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3. VINCINT, โ€œLEANโ€

โ€œLEANโ€ // VINCINT // 2024

VINCINT, LEAN [๐Ÿ“ท: VINCINT]โ€œAnd you think youโ€™re saving yourself dressed up in all your armor / (But the tougher the skin, deeper the cuts) / Youโ€™re standing at the edge, can you take it one step farther?โ€ The talented VINCINT (Vincint Cannady, they/them) thrills on their dance-pop bop, โ€œLEANโ€. Not only is this sleekly produced record a catalyst for dance, but it also provides food for thought.ย  On X (formerly known as Twitter), the musician, who identifies as gay and nonbinary, tweeted, โ€œโ€˜Leanโ€™ is one of the most vulnerable songs Iโ€™ve written for this project, it talks about the place where I exist between the binary. I hope it opens something inside of you thatโ€™s been screaming for a release.โ€ Thoughtful commentary on a thoughtful song, penned by Cannady and Lara Andersson, and produced by RZY and Skywalk.

VINCINT addresses a potential lover on โ€œLEANโ€ who seems unable to (1) lean into them (a relationship) and (2) lean into their sexuality. โ€œIs it problems from your past? The father that you had,โ€ Cannady asks, continuing, โ€œThat led you to believe / Vulnerability is weak.โ€ The reference to vulnerability is striking, something that many gay men will relate to. Cannady suggests their prospect is sacrificing the beauty that is love.ย  The second verse is patterned similarly: โ€œโ€˜Cause for your letting someone in / Feels like a cardinal sin.โ€ Ugh โ€“ another superbly penned lyric that hits you right in the chest. VINCENT wants this person to live without boundaries.ย  Of course, they will support them every step of the way. The chorus sums it up best:

โ€œAll you need to do is

Lean into me, lean into me

You can do what you do (Do what you do)

And Iโ€™ll help you through (Iโ€™ll help you)

Lean in to me, lean into me

Put your heart on the line.โ€

VINCENT puts their foot into โ€œLEANโ€.ย  The vocals are sweet, the melodies tuneful, the message on-point and the production is sleek.ย  This is a pop song that everybody needs to hear regardless of sexuality or gender.

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4. Chappell Roan, โ€œGood Luck, Babe!โ€

โ€œGood Luck, Babe!โ€ // KRA International, Inc. / Island // 2024

Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe! [๐Ÿ“ท: KRA International, Inc. / Island]โ€œI donโ€™t wanna call it off / But you donโ€™t wanna call it love / You only wanna be the one that I call baby.โ€ Chappell Roan is comfortable with her sexuality in her thrilling, breakout hit, โ€œGood Luck, Babe!โ€.ย  Her girlfriend, however, is struggling with accepting her sexuality, complicating their relationship.ย  โ€œYou can say that we are nothing, but you know the truth,โ€ Roan asserts in the first verse, adding, โ€œAnd I guess Iโ€™m the fool.โ€ Being queer in a heteronormative world can be tough, and Roanโ€™s girlfriend didnโ€™t reach a level of comfort. Roan paints the picture of the end of this relationship because of these unfair, unfortunate circumstances (โ€œThink Iโ€™m gonna call it off / Even if you call it love / I just wanna love someone who calls me babyโ€). The damage has been done.ย  In the chorus, she wishes her luck suppressing her sexuality to fit the heterosexual narrative of the word:

โ€œYou can kiss a hundred boys in bars

Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling

โ€ฆ Make another excuse, another stupid reason

Good luck, babe (Well, good luck).โ€

Roan, Justin Tranter, and producer, Dan Nigro composed this colorful, dynamic, meaningful, and thoughtful song.ย  The sound is alternative pop with a standard rhythm section, programming, and strings.ย  Chappell is an awesome singer who shows off the versatility of her instrument.ย  Most importantly, the epic โ€œGood Luck, Babe!โ€ addresses a prevalent issue within the LGBTQ+ย  ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ community and how complicated same-sex relationships can be and dispels the myopic view/myth that queer relationships as merely sexual.

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      5. John Conlin, โ€œKissing Other Girlsโ€

      โ€œKissing Other Girlsโ€ // John Conlin // 2024

      John Conlin, Kissing Other Girls [๐Ÿ“ท: John Conlin]โ€œDonโ€™t you know you make me / Cry just a little / Die just a little / Say weโ€™re just DL, noncommittal / So superficial, caught in your middle / It hurts / I know youโ€™re kissing other girls.โ€ That is a bummer, John Conlin. What isnโ€™t a bummer is the authenticity and sheer excellence that is โ€œKissing Other Girlsโ€.ย  It was penned by the handsome and talented Toronto pop singer/songwriter.ย  He produced this must-hear gem alongside Jamesfromtheinternet. The sound is โ€˜to die for.โ€™ The instrumental backdrop includes warm pads and synths that concoct a surefire vibe. Conlin serves up gorgeous vocals, tuneful melodies, and reflective, questioning lyrics.ย  The situation is one where he and his โ€˜boyfriendโ€™ are on two different pages. John seems comfortable with the relationship while the nameless boyfriend is DL and still partakes in heterosexual experiences. โ€œIโ€™ve been on my knees praying / That I take up space inside yourย  head,โ€ Conlin sings in the first verse, continuing, โ€œTwo dimensional, you fuck across the hall, baby.โ€ย  Heโ€™s not fucking other guys, either: โ€œYour rust on the straight blade / It cuts, badly both waysโ€ฆโ€ Conlin, singing angelically, continues to voice his sadness over the state of their โ€˜relationship.โ€™ He asks, โ€œAm I just a phase / Just a body you play.โ€ Understanding his partner, he asserts, โ€œAnd when you, canโ€™t finish [with her, presumably] you picture me.โ€ Ooh-wee! The bridge separates it from the verses and chorus yet continues the theme of Johnโ€™s boyfriend/partner/FWB struggling with his sexuality.ย  The situation isnโ€™t ideal, yet, common where homophobia โ€“ external and internal โ€“ runs rampant.ย  โ€œKissing Other Girlsโ€ is the catโ€™s meow โ€“ the sugar honey iced tea! Get it, John!

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      6. HNTR ALLN, โ€œDTFโ€

      โ€œDTFโ€ // HNTR ALLN // 2024ย 

      HNTR ALLN, DTF [๐Ÿ“ท: HNTR ALLN]โ€œLike a little slut / Rough me up / You can tell Iโ€™m down to…โ€ On his 2024 debut single, โ€œDTFโ€, HNTR ALLN (Hunter Allen) comes out swinging. Rather, he comes out sexingโ€ฆ or willing to ๐Ÿ˜ˆ! There is no hiding in the closet! Allen is bold with his sexuality. After growing up in a conservative, Christian household, heโ€™s broken free from myopic views and restrictions and embraced queerness.ย  โ€œDTFโ€ is sex-positive to the nth degree. The desire and lust are โ€˜turned TF upโ€™: โ€œHugging you is like a poppers hit / Chemical the way I want your dick, daddy.โ€ย  Poppers and dick? Thatโ€™s so gay ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ ๐Ÿ˜ˆ. The lyrics are brutally honest, and thatโ€™s the biggest selling point of โ€œDTF.โ€ Backtracking before the poppers and D, โ€œHowโ€™s it going? Fuck, youโ€™re crazy hot / Took your shirt off for a dollar off baby.โ€ Ooh-wee! After getting him to show off his banging body, he raises the temperature: โ€œI can tell youโ€™re really into me / Staring at me like a piece of meat eat me / Wanna taste the sugar / Dripping from your dirty tongue.โ€ Fucking hot ๐Ÿฅต ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ ๐Ÿ˜ˆ! HNTR paints a vivid portrait that leads to the crรจme de la crรจme, admitting, โ€œYou can tell Iโ€™m down to fuck.โ€ Not only are the lyrics โ€˜fierce,โ€™ Allen sings them like a champ.ย  He takes a playful approach in this liberating, hyper-sexual banger. His tone is marvelous while his riffs and runs are celestial, even if his mindset is more hellish. The backdrop is โ€˜fierceโ€™ too. The gay club is alive and well, soundtracked by sharp synths and a dance floor-ready beat.ย  From the beginning of โ€œDTFโ€,ย  the tone is set and the sluttiness feels damn good. Infectious and naughty, โ€œDTFโ€ is the sugar honey iced tea โ€“ the soundtrack to freedom from the ultra-conservative, heteronormative, myopic world.

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      7. The Pussyboys, โ€œdumb boy energyโ€

      โ€œdumb boy energyโ€ // The Pussyboys // 2024

      The Pussyboys, dumb boy energy [๐Ÿ“ท: The Pussyboys]โ€œAnother day in the city / Canโ€™t wait to know whatโ€™s about to come my way / My lifeโ€™s been good to me.โ€ Optimism is infectious,ย The Pussyboys!ย The unique L.A. band comprises three trans men ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€โšง๏ธ โ™‚. Ezra Michel is the lead singer and guitarist. Wes Spaulding plays bass and provides background vocals. Shawn Corchado plays drums. These fresh-faced, handsome boys shine in their fierce, fun, debut pop-punk single, โ€œdumb boy energyโ€. โ€œDumb boy energyโ€ exemplifies the Californian sound. The song has that pop-punk aesthetic associated with the scene and state.ย  The music has a vibe from the get-go: rhythm guitar, robust bass line, and a solid, pop-rocking groove from the drums.ย  โ€œDumb boy energyโ€ is reminiscent of the past, which is refreshing.ย  Itโ€™s also refreshing because of the songwriting where Ezra, Wes, and Shawn embrace all things transmasculine! The bridge plays up straight boy clichรฉs: โ€œI got charm, I stay fit / I hold your purse while weโ€™re shopping and shit (oh my God) / Iโ€™m so fine, I got time / I got one life to live and itโ€™s all mine.โ€ Woo! A tuneful, sing-along chorus is one of the songโ€™s best features:ย ย ย 

      โ€œIโ€™m just living in my dumb boy fantasyย 

      Got nothing in my brainย 

      But I just stay smilingย 

      Cuz I know youโ€™ll always beย 

      Talking down to meย 

      Iโ€™ll get byย 

      On my dumb boy energy.โ€ย 

      โ€œDumb boy energyโ€ is a blast. Not only is the song a banger but the music video is sweet as well. Also, how cool is it to see a band of three trans guys living their best lives? ย 

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      8. Sam Driborr, โ€œOut of the Closetโ€

      โ€œOut of the Closetโ€ // Sam Driborr // 2024

      Sam Driborr, Out of the Closet [๐Ÿ“ท: Sam Driborr]โ€œI feel like a prism / Refracting light into a burst of colors to view.โ€ย  Those opening lyrics from the first verse of โ€œOut of the Closetโ€ showcase the brilliant pen of Portland, Oregon singer, songwriter, and producer, Sam Driborr. Thereโ€™s also physics referenced which is cool ๐Ÿ˜Ž! He continues singing, optimistically, โ€œIโ€™m using my wisdom / To live each day like my world is brand new.โ€ Those are wise, thought-provoking lyrics.ย  Driborr is embracing liberation! He is not stuck in the closet, which is a hairy place to be as an LGBTQ+ ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ individual. Fear, shame, and internalized homophobia can be a death trap. That is NOT the way that life is meant to be lived.

       

      Instead of hiding the rainbow, he proudly displays it.ย  Bust out those Pride flags! Heโ€™s living his best life on this uplifting anthem.ย  Fittingly, โ€œOut of The Closet,โ€ written and produced by Driborr, was released just before Pride month in 2024.ย  Sam sings authentically and confidently from the beginning. The songwriting is impeccable. Both verses are poetically penned. The pre-chorus and chorus sections are sublime too. โ€œOne step forward / Is another step towards / An age of progress and change,โ€ he sings hopefully in the pre-chorus, continuing, โ€œWe may be older / But together weโ€™re bolder / To see a new system arranged.โ€ Yaaasss! The chorus is top-notch:

      โ€œIโ€™m glad to be

      Out of the closet!

      To know the meaning of being free!

      Not bound by insecurities!

      Out of the closet!

      Not captive by indecision!

      Iโ€™m born this way

      Wonโ€™t go back again

      I refuse to be the shirt I never fit in

      I was meant to be seen and I call that a win!

      Out of the closet!โ€

      โ€œOut of the Closetโ€ should resonate with members of the LGBTQ+ ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ community. Who wants to live stuck in the closet? But, this is a record that could also speak to those who donโ€™t identify as LGBTQ+.ย  If you are bound by something, doesnโ€™t it feel better to become unbound and be free? Who wouldnโ€™t โ€œrefuse to be the shirt I never fit itโ€ after all? Sam Driborr dropped a gem.

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      9. Matt Terry, โ€œHis Carโ€

      ย โ€œHis Carโ€ // Future x MT13 // 2024

      Matt Terry, His Car [๐Ÿ“ท: Future x MT13]โ€œTold your family about me, I never did.โ€ Uh-oh! Sounds like a case of fear, secrecy, and internalized homophobia from Matt Terry.ย  He admits, at the end of the first verse, โ€œNow all I see in that mirror, a hypocrite.โ€ Why? Throughout โ€œHis Carโ€, he expresses the mistakes he made in his first same-sex relationship.ย  Terry had a good man and he โ€˜did him wrongโ€™ by not allowing himself to be true โ€“ live openly as a gay man without reservations. Matt got in his own wayโ€ฆย  He expounds more in the second verse, asserting, โ€œOut in the streets I wouldnโ€™t hold your hand / Oh why, I was way too young to understand.โ€ The experience Terry sings about is sad, but it also isnโ€™t far-fetched for members of the LGBTQ+ ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ community. Shame is huge in the community.ย  Sadly, shame can derail something meaningful and promising. Same-sex relationships can be challenging for various reasons.ย  If you are fortunate enough to find that special someone, it can be devastating if you let the opportunity for something great pass. In the thoughtful, utterly sincere chorus, he apologizes, even though he knows itโ€™s far too late:

      โ€œI used to kiss him in the back of his car

      Hiding from the world who we are

      Iโ€™m sorry for every single lie

      I told him you should go and bury your heart

      My parents wonโ€™t ever know about us

      I keep wishing that I could go back in time

      To apologize

      To apologize.โ€

      โ€œHis Carโ€ is a gem.ย  Terry and producer Xoro composed an authentic three-minute ballad.ย  Terry sings beautifully with the utmost sincerity.ย  The theme is relatable and also heartbreaking.ย  Why canโ€™t we be free to live our lives without complications?

      ย 

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      10.Jake Trevor, โ€œFather Donโ€™t Forgive Meโ€

      JAKE TREVOR // Jake Trevor // 2024

      Jake Trevor, Jake Trevor [๐Ÿ“ท: Jake Trevor]โ€œPut down that Bible and open your heart.โ€ Phew ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ, that is a bold statement, Jake Trevor. Or, is it ๐Ÿง? For the โ€˜Bible-thumping,โ€™ close-minded folks, this lyric will sound utterly blasphemous. However, for those who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ community and feel discriminated against, disowned, judged, and persecuted, this lyric feels like it deserves a resounding amen โ€“ a hallelujah from the highest mountaintop! โ€œFather Forgive Themโ€, a highlight from his self-titled debut album, may be taken offensively by some, but it shouldnโ€™t because we should respect everybody.ย  Where are all the allies? Besides pushing for an open heart, Trevor unapologetically testifies about embracing who he is. โ€œFather, donโ€™t forgive me for living my life / Iโ€™m sure as hell not sorry, โ€˜cause all love is right.โ€ Prudent and true ๐Ÿ’ฏ.ย  Why shouldnโ€™t he be able to live his life without guilt, judgment, and shame? We should all be able to live our lives freely. He continues singing, โ€œI was born in a world that didnโ€™t understand / I was born in a home that didnโ€™t give a damn / I was raised by the wolves, running with no plans.โ€ Those lyrics speak volumes. Thereโ€™s more! โ€œYou must be the devil โ€˜cause some god wouldnโ€™t hate me if he really made me,โ€ Jake sings, denouncing those close-minded, judgmental haters.ย  He has a bone to pick for those who โ€œkicked out [kids] for being gay just for living their lives.โ€ Instead, he urges, โ€œMama, donโ€™t let your baby die / Put a little love out there, put some love in the world.โ€ There is plenty to unpack on โ€œFather Forgive Themโ€.ย  This beautiful, moving song is a call to action to love not hate. Donโ€™t be a hater, be an ally!

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      11. Lynks, โ€œUSE IT OR LOSE ITโ€

      ABOMINATION // Heavenly Recordings / PIAS // 2024ย 

      Lynks, ABOMINATION [๐Ÿ“ท: Heavenly Recordings / [PIAS]]โ€œ24 years old / Going on 25 / Empirically the hottest year of my whole life.โ€ Facts! โ€œItโ€™s the time of my life, and I donโ€™t wanna waste it.โ€ Lynks encourages living it up while youโ€™re young on โ€œUSE IT OR LOSE ITโ€, the opener from their 2024 album, ABOMINATION.ย  โ€œThis is my peak / Iโ€™m living in my prime,โ€ they assert in the first verse, continuing, โ€œSo best not to waste any more of my time.โ€ Lynks, described as the โ€˜Merchant of pure gay chaos,โ€™ grasps who they are and share openly with the world. Many might slut-shame them and โ€˜overly promiscuousโ€™ gays, but why live with regrets because you didnโ€™t have some sexy fun? Lynks embraces PLAY.ย  Barhopping, they โ€œFill my SIM card up with hot boysโ€™ numbers / Any age, language, size, type or color / No manโ€™s safe, โ€˜cept my dad or my brother.โ€ WOO! Slutty? Perhaps, but who cares if it is or not? Itโ€™s easier to find love, even something that may endure when youโ€™re younger. Lynks is shopping around!

      โ€œCause I donโ€™t wanna be on my deathbed

      Wishinโ€™ Iโ€™d got more head

      Before the lines start appearing on my forehead

      Before the time comes when I get ignored

      Iโ€™ll make sure Iโ€™ve got some memories recordedโ€ฆโ€

      Cleverly, Lynks references The Beatles classic, โ€œAll You Need is Loveโ€ applying the meaning to their gay heyday (twink death is imminent)! And, remaining open, they โ€œdonโ€™t know what it means to be a gay man over 40,โ€ sigh. So, to avoid laying in the casket sans ample dick, theyโ€™re going to the club to โ€œchase him, then I chase him.โ€ Besides the entertaining lyrics and reasonable defenses of sexing it up with an assortment of men, the musicianship of โ€œUSE IT OR LOSE ITโ€ is impressive.ย  The distorted rap vocals are sweet, amplified by their British accent. The keys and synths are fab, while the beat provides a solid anchor.ย  The twink who loves to bang is gassed up by a compelling instrumental! Bad@$$!

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      12. David Archuleta, โ€œHell Togetherโ€

      โ€œHell Togetherโ€ // Archie Music // 2024

      David Archuleta, Hell Together [๐Ÿ“ท: Archie Music]โ€œBow your head, donโ€™t be bold / Youโ€™ll survive by doinโ€™ what youโ€™re told.โ€ย  Thought-provoking lyrics that David Archuleta sings in the first verse of โ€œHell Togetherโ€. Archuleta experienced big life changes: coming out and leaving the Mormon church.ย  The opening lyrics are troubling signaling the infamous notion of praying the gay away.ย  The lyrics convey the attitude that some religions, religious institutions, and people of faith have toward non-heterosexuals. Archie continues singing beautifully and sincerely, โ€œSaid love is earned and we canโ€™t choose / But the more you grow, you know the truth.โ€ He penned this stirring, vulnerable ballad with Sam DeRosa, Ryan Nealon, and producer, Jordan Sherman. After David realizes how the myopic views of the church are, and the effect theyโ€™ve had on him, heโ€™s concerned about disappointing his mom. That is where the most touching moment of occurs โ€“ the chorus:

      โ€œโ€˜If I have to live without you

      I donโ€™t wanna live forever in someone elseโ€™s heaven

      So let โ€˜em close the gates

      Oh, if they donโ€™t like the way youโ€™re made, then theyโ€™re not any better

      If Paradise is pressure, oh

      Weโ€™ll go to hell together.โ€

      ๐Ÿฅน The ultimate allyship โ€“ blood! The second verse expands on it: โ€œYou and me, thatโ€™s all we need / Blood is thicker than the pages that they read.โ€ On the bridge, Archuleta regrets not breaking from the church before now. โ€œHell Togetherโ€ brilliantly captures the struggles faced by many in the LGBTQ+ ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ community.

      ย Appears in ๐Ÿ”ป:

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      13. Cole Redding, โ€œGay Americanaโ€

      โ€œGay Americanaโ€ // Cole Redding // 2024ย 

      Cole Redding, Gay Americana [๐Ÿ“ท: Cole Redding]โ€œShy boy with too many secrets / I know what itโ€™s like to be him.โ€ In an Instagram post, Cole Redding describes โ€œGay Americanaโ€ as the song he wished he had growing up gay. In an earlier IG post, promoting the song, he captions the cover art as โ€œMY WHOLE HEART. The scared, shy, self-hating 13-year-old me is real proud.โ€ The handsome, talented pop musician released an authentic and moving anthem. He penned โ€œGay Americanaโ€ with Stephan Santa Teresa and Rachel Kennedy. โ€œGay Americanaโ€ thrives for many reasons with songwriting and inclusivity topping the list.ย  Redding advises this gay young man, โ€œPromise it wonโ€™t make the world end / If you say you donโ€™t want a girlfriend.โ€ย  This is one example of the freedom exhibited by the songwriting.ย  Donโ€™t box yourself into the heteronormative world โ€“ be who you want to be and live true. In โ€œGay Americana,โ€ โ€œYou can be anything you wanna.โ€ Redding offers up so many meaningful, inclusive thoughts including:

      โ€œPut the stars and stripes

      On a rainbow flag ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ

      And weโ€™ll fight for love

      Cause itโ€™s all we have

      We were born this way

      And they canโ€™t change that

      No, we wonโ€™t go back.โ€

      Beyond the songwriting and theme, the musicianship is turned up. Redding sings beautifully and easily on this uplifting pop joint.ย  Heโ€™s authentic, selling the text superbly. The melodies are tuneful, particularly when he celebrates gay Americana in all its liberating glory. The instrumental is fire, incorporating the sheen of modern pop with some classic music cues.ย  โ€œGay Americanaโ€ is a great addition to any Pride ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ list. Itโ€™s also an inclusive pop song that everybody needs to hear.

      Appears in ๐Ÿ”ป:

      ~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

      Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 (2024) [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Archie Music, Cole Redding, Darkroom, Future x MT13, Heavenly Recordings, HNTR ALLN, Interscope, Jake Trevor, KRA International, Inc., Island, John Conlin, PIAS, Sam Driborr, The Pussyboys, Todrick Hall, VINCINT; ]

       

      Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

      the musical hype

      the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.