Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 ๐ features songs by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Cole Redding, David Archuleta, Jake Trevor, and Sam Driborr.
โOh my, such a relief / I can be me / I donโt put on no show / Itโs 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 isnโt 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 ๐ (2023).ย That wasnโt the first musical compendium of songs that referenced coming out. In 2019, the first playlist, 19 Songs That Reference Coming Out ๐ (2019), arrived. On 10/11/2024, we return with another musical compendium referencing coming out, or LGBTQ happenings related to being โin the closetโ or โout and proudโ โ Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 ย ๐. Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 ๐ 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 ๐.
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2. Todrick Hall, โIโM GAYโ
4. Chappell Roan, โGood Luck, Babe!โ
5. John Conlin, โKissing Other Girlsโ
7. The Pussyboys, โdumb boy energyโ
8. Sam Driborr, โOut of the Closetโ
10. Jake Trevor, โFather Donโt Forgive Meโ
11. Lynks, โUSE IT OR LOSE ITโ
12. David Archuleta, โHell Togetherโ
13. Cole Redding, โGay Americanaโ
1. Billie Eilish, โLUNCHโ
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT // Darkroom / Interscope // 2024
โI 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, โLUNCHโ. โIโm interested in more than just beinโ your friend,โ she adds in the bridge. โLUNCHโ 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 didnโt know people were unaware of her attraction to women. Early on โLUNCH,โ Eilish is transparent about having a relationship with a woman. She adds in the centerpiece, the chorus, โItโs a craving, not a crush.โ The lyric legitimizes her desire โ itโs no fluke.
In the verses, Eilish โopens upโ about her feelings about this girl. All the while, she maintains the lunch metaphor.ย โBaby, I think you were made for me / Somebody write down the recipe,โ she sings in the first verse, adding, โBeen tryinโ hard not to overeat / Youโre just so sweet.โ Things progress, with Eilish offering to help this girl โtake off her clothes,โ desiring to โget her off.โ In the second verse, sheโs impressed with her beautiful looks, complimenting her skin.ย She cleverly concludes the verse by singing, โSheโs the headlights, Iโm the deer.โ What makes โLUNCHโ 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 โLUNCHโ is delicious and makes us beam ear to ear with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐.
Appears in ๐ป:
- Billie Eilish, LUNCH: Beaming with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ 22 (2024)
- 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
- Bops That Pop: June 2024
- 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)ย
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2. Todrick Hall, โIโM GAYโ
ICON // Todrick Hall // 2024
โIโm that bitch, itโs not another / I like dick pics so take my number / And pass that shit on to your brother / Iโm gay (You sure?) / Iโm gay (Okay). Todrick Hall is G-A-Y, period ๐ . That was a well-known fact before he unveiled โIโM 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. โIโM 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, โBitch, I gag for RuPaul.โ He also shouts out Trixie Mattel and Alaska Thunderfuck among others who competed on RuPaulโs Drag Race.ย In the chorus, he proudly asserts, โIโm gayโ many times.ย In the bridge, he is even gayer, encouraging โTwinks, twanks, twunks, letโs douche,โ proudly confirming his LGBT card, and has โA packet full of poppers.โ Also, canโt 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, โIโM GAYโ is also engaging, fun, and sleekly produced.
Appears in ๐ป:
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3. VINCINT, โLEANโ
โLEANโ // VINCINT // 2024
โAnd you think youโre saving yourself dressed up in all your armor / (But the tougher the skin, deeper the cuts) / Youโre 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, โLEANโ. 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, โโLeanโ is one of the most vulnerable songs Iโve written for this project, it talks about the place where I exist between the binary. I hope it opens something inside of you thatโs 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 โLEANโ who seems unable to (1) lean into them (a relationship) and (2) lean into their sexuality. โIs it problems from your past? The father that you had,โ Cannady asks, continuing, โThat 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: โโCause 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:
โAll you need to do is
Lean into me, lean into me
You can do what you do (Do what you do)
And Iโll help you through (Iโll help you)
Lean in to me, lean into me
Put your heart on the line.โ
VINCENT puts their foot into โLEANโ.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.
Appears in ๐ป:
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4. Chappell Roan, โGood Luck, Babe!โ
โGood Luck, Babe!โ // KRA International, Inc. / Island // 2024
โI donโt wanna call it off / But you donโt 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, โGood Luck, Babe!โ.ย Her girlfriend, however, is struggling with accepting her sexuality, complicating their relationship.ย โYou can say that we are nothing, but you know the truth,โ Roan asserts in the first verse, adding, โAnd I guess Iโm the fool.โ Being queer in a heteronormative world can be tough, and Roanโs girlfriend didnโt reach a level of comfort. Roan paints the picture of the end of this relationship because of these unfair, unfortunate circumstances (โThink Iโm 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:
โYou can kiss a hundred boys in bars
Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling
โฆ 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 โGood Luck, Babe!โ addresses a prevalent issue within the LGBTQ+ย ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ community and how complicated same-sex relationships can be and dispels the myopic view/myth that queer relationships as merely sexual.
Appears in ๐ป:ย
- Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe!: Beaming with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ย No. 32 (2024)
- 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)
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5. John Conlin, โKissing Other Girlsโ
โKissing Other Girlsโ // John Conlin // 2024
โDonโt you know you make me / Cry just a little / Die just a little / Say weโre just DL, noncommittal / So superficial, caught in your middle / It hurts / I know youโre kissing other girls.โ That is a bummer, John Conlin. What isnโt a bummer is the authenticity and sheer excellence that is โKissing 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 โto 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 โboyfriendโ are on two different pages. John seems comfortable with the relationship while the nameless boyfriend is DL and still partakes in heterosexual experiences. โIโve been on my knees praying / That I take up space inside yourย head,โ Conlin sings in the first verse, continuing, โTwo dimensional, you fuck across the hall, baby.โย Heโs not fucking other guys, either: โYour rust on the straight blade / It cuts, badly both waysโฆโ Conlin, singing angelically, continues to voice his sadness over the state of their โrelationship.โ He asks, โAm I just a phase / Just a body you play.โ Understanding his partner, he asserts, โAnd when you, canโt finish [with her, presumably] you picture me.โ Ooh-wee! The bridge separates it from the verses and chorus yet continues the theme of Johnโs boyfriend/partner/FWB struggling with his sexuality.ย The situation isnโt ideal, yet, common where homophobia โ external and internal โ runs rampant.ย โKissing Other Girlsโ is the catโs meow โ the sugar honey iced tea! Get it, John!
Appears in ๐ป:
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6. HNTR ALLN, โDTFโ
โDTFโ // HNTR ALLN // 2024ย
โLike a little slut / Rough me up / You can tell Iโm down to…โ On his 2024 debut single, โDTFโ, HNTR ALLN (Hunter Allen) comes out swinging. Rather, he comes out sexingโฆ or willing to ๐! There is no hiding in the closet! Allen is bold with his sexuality. After growing up in a conservative, Christian household, heโs broken free from myopic views and restrictions and embraced queerness.ย โDTFโ is sex-positive to the nth degree. The desire and lust are โturned TF upโ: โHugging you is like a poppers hit / Chemical the way I want your dick, daddy.โย Poppers and dick? Thatโs so gay ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ ๐. The lyrics are brutally honest, and thatโs the biggest selling point of โDTF.โ Backtracking before the poppers and D, โHowโs it going? Fuck, youโre 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: โI can tell youโre 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 ๐ฅต ๐ฎโ๐จ ๐! HNTR paints a vivid portrait that leads to the crรจme de la crรจme, admitting, โYou can tell Iโm down to fuck.โ Not only are the lyrics โfierce,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 โfierceโ too. The gay club is alive and well, soundtracked by sharp synths and a dance floor-ready beat.ย From the beginning of โDTFโ,ย the tone is set and the sluttiness feels damn good. Infectious and naughty, โDTFโ is the sugar honey iced tea โ the soundtrack to freedom from the ultra-conservative, heteronormative, myopic world.
Appears in ๐ป:
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7. The Pussyboys, โdumb boy energyโ
โdumb boy energyโ // The Pussyboys // 2024
โAnother day in the city / Canโt wait to know whatโs about to come my way / My lifeโs been good to me.โ Optimism is infectious,ย The Pussyboys!ย The unique L.A. band comprises three trans men ๐ณ๏ธโโง๏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, โdumb boy energyโ. โDumb 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 โDumb boy energyโ is reminiscent of the past, which is refreshing.ย Itโs also refreshing because of the songwriting where Ezra, Wes, and Shawn embrace all things transmasculine! The bridge plays up straight boy clichรฉs: โI got charm, I stay fit / I hold your purse while weโre shopping and shit (oh my God) / Iโm so fine, I got time / I got one life to live and itโs all mine.โ Woo! A tuneful, sing-along chorus is one of the songโs best features:ย ย ย
โIโm just living in my dumb boy fantasyย
Got nothing in my brainย
But I just stay smilingย
Cuz I know youโll always beย
Talking down to meย
Iโll get byย
On my dumb boy energy.โย
โDumb 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
Appears in ๐ป:
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8. Sam Driborr, โOut of the Closetโ
โOut of the Closetโ // Sam Driborr // 2024
โI feel like a prism / Refracting light into a burst of colors to view.โย Those opening lyrics from the first verse of โOut of the Closetโ showcase the brilliant pen of Portland, Oregon singer, songwriter, and producer, Sam Driborr. Thereโs also physics referenced which is cool ๐! He continues singing, optimistically, โIโm 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+ ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ 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! Heโs living his best life on this uplifting anthem.ย Fittingly, โOut 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. โOne step forward / Is another step towards / An age of progress and change,โ he sings hopefully in the pre-chorus, continuing, โWe may be older / But together weโre bolder / To see a new system arranged.โ Yaaasss! The chorus is top-notch:
โIโm 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!
Iโm born this way
Wonโt 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
โOut of the Closetโ should resonate with members of the LGBTQ+ ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ community. Who wants to live stuck in the closet? But, this is a record that could also speak to those who donโt identify as LGBTQ+.ย If you are bound by something, doesnโt it feel better to become unbound and be free? Who wouldnโt โrefuse to be the shirt I never fit itโ after all? Sam Driborr dropped a gem.
Appears in ๐ป:
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9. Matt Terry, โHis Carโ
ย โHis Carโ // Future x MT13 // 2024
โTold 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, โNow all I see in that mirror, a hypocrite.โ Why? Throughout โHis Carโ, he expresses the mistakes he made in his first same-sex relationship.ย Terry had a good man and he โdid him wrongโ by not allowing himself to be true โ live openly as a gay man without reservations. Matt got in his own wayโฆย He expounds more in the second verse, asserting, โOut in the streets I wouldnโt hold your hand / Oh why, I was way too young to understand.โ The experience Terry sings about is sad, but it also isnโt far-fetched for members of the LGBTQ+ ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ 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 itโs far too late:
โI used to kiss him in the back of his car
Hiding from the world who we are
Iโm sorry for every single lie
I told him you should go and bury your heart
My parents wonโt ever know about us
I keep wishing that I could go back in time
To apologize
To apologize.โ
โHis 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 canโt we be free to live our lives without complications?
ย
Appears in ๐ป:
- Matt Terry, His Car: Beaming with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ 19 (2024)
- 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ (2024)ย
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10.Jake Trevor, โFather Donโt Forgive Meโ
JAKE TREVOR // Jake Trevor // 2024
โPut down that Bible and open your heart.โ Phew ๐ฎโ๐จ, that is a bold statement, Jake Trevor. Or, is it ๐ง? For the โBible-thumping,โ close-minded folks, this lyric will sound utterly blasphemous. However, for those who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ 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! โFather Forgive Themโ, a highlight from his self-titled debut album, may be taken offensively by some, but it shouldnโt 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. โFather, donโt forgive me for living my life / Iโm sure as hell not sorry, โcause all love is right.โ Prudent and true ๐ฏ.ย Why shouldnโt 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, โI was born in a world that didnโt understand / I was born in a home that didnโt give a damn / I was raised by the wolves, running with no plans.โ Those lyrics speak volumes. Thereโs more! โYou must be the devil โcause some god wouldnโt 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 โkicked out [kids] for being gay just for living their lives.โ Instead, he urges, โMama, donโt let your baby die / Put a little love out there, put some love in the world.โ There is plenty to unpack on โFather Forgive Themโ.ย This beautiful, moving song is a call to action to love not hate. Donโt be a hater, be an ally!
Appears in ๐ป:
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11. Lynks, โUSE IT OR LOSE ITโ
ABOMINATION // Heavenly Recordings / PIAS // 2024ย
โ24 years old / Going on 25 / Empirically the hottest year of my whole life.โ Facts! โItโs the time of my life, and I donโt wanna waste it.โ Lynks encourages living it up while youโre young on โUSE IT OR LOSE ITโ, the opener from their 2024 album, ABOMINATION.ย โThis is my peak / Iโm living in my prime,โ they assert in the first verse, continuing, โSo best not to waste any more of my time.โ Lynks, described as the โMerchant of pure gay chaos,โ grasps who they are and share openly with the world. Many might slut-shame them and โoverly promiscuousโ gays, but why live with regrets because you didnโt have some sexy fun? Lynks embraces PLAY.ย Barhopping, they โFill my SIM card up with hot boysโ numbers / Any age, language, size, type or color / No manโs safe, โcept my dad or my brother.โ WOO! Slutty? Perhaps, but who cares if it is or not? Itโs easier to find love, even something that may endure when youโre younger. Lynks is shopping around!
โCause I donโt wanna be on my deathbed
Wishinโ Iโd got more head
Before the lines start appearing on my forehead
Before the time comes when I get ignored
Iโll make sure Iโve got some memories recordedโฆโ
Cleverly, Lynks references The Beatles classic, โAll You Need is Loveโ applying the meaning to their gay heyday (twink death is imminent)! And, remaining open, they โdonโt know what it means to be a gay man over 40,โ sigh. So, to avoid laying in the casket sans ample dick, theyโre going to the club to โchase 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 โUSE 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@$$!
Appears in ๐ป:
- Lynks, USE IT OR LOSE IT: Beaming with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ 49 (2024)
- 15 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 1 (2024)
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12. David Archuleta, โHell Togetherโ
โHell Togetherโ // Archie Music // 2024
โBow your head, donโt be bold / Youโll survive by doinโ what youโre told.โย Thought-provoking lyrics that David Archuleta sings in the first verse of โHell 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, โSaid love is earned and we canโt 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 theyโve had on him, heโs concerned about disappointing his mom. That is where the most touching moment of occurs โ the chorus:
โโIf I have to live without you
I donโt wanna live forever in someone elseโs heaven
So let โem close the gates
Oh, if they donโt like the way youโre made, then theyโre not any better
If Paradise is pressure, oh
Weโll go to hell together.โ
๐ฅน The ultimate allyship โ blood! The second verse expands on it: โYou and me, thatโs 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. โHell Togetherโ brilliantly captures the struggles faced by many in the LGBTQ+ ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ community.
ย Appears in ๐ป:
- David Archuleta, Hell Together: Beaming with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ 14 (2024)
- Bops That Pop: April 2024
- 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
- 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)
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13. Cole Redding, โGay Americanaโ
โGay Americanaโ // Cole Redding // 2024ย
โShy boy with too many secrets / I know what itโs like to be him.โ In an Instagram post, Cole Redding describes โGay 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 โMY 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 โGay Americanaโ with Stephan Santa Teresa and Rachel Kennedy. โGay Americanaโ thrives for many reasons with songwriting and inclusivity topping the list.ย Redding advises this gay young man, โPromise it wonโt make the world end / If you say you donโt want a girlfriend.โย This is one example of the freedom exhibited by the songwriting.ย Donโt box yourself into the heteronormative world โ be who you want to be and live true. In โGay Americana,โ โYou can be anything you wanna.โ Redding offers up so many meaningful, inclusive thoughts including:
โPut the stars and stripes
On a rainbow flag ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
And weโll fight for love
Cause itโs all we have
We were born this way
And they canโt change that
No, we wonโt go back.โ
Beyond the songwriting and theme, the musicianship is turned up. Redding sings beautifully and easily on this uplifting pop joint.ย Heโs 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 โGay Americanaโ is a great addition to any Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ list. Itโs also an inclusive pop song that everybody needs to hear.
Appears in ๐ป:
- 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
- Bops That Pop: June 2024
- 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)
- Must-Hear, All-American ๐บ๐ธ Songs, Pt. 2 (2024)
~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~
Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 (2024) [๐ท: 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; ]