Like this:

Dance in the Dark

If Paparazzi cultivated the Fame’s social undertones, The Fame Monster finds its successor in Dance in the Dark. Considerably darker, this technofusion of gimmicky 80′s pop and industrial grunge easily reveals Gaga’s personal depth, her will, passion, and independence, even when the spotlights are off and the camera flashes dim.

Stuttering synths (d-d-d-d) echo noise music, previewing Gaga’s statement, “I’m a free bitch.” The story starts simply: a beautiful, naive female succumbs to the pressures of her demanding boyfriend. For being outspoken- the 20′s vamp- he tags her a tramp. Before the dance, she makes herself up in facades and fronts and swallows her “silicon, saline, poison…”

Then she hides in the dark. Lady Gaga epitomizes the dream career: doing what you love. Unobstructed by media attention or gossip, the “free bitch” lives for art and channels her creativity in color, sound, and stage. But she’s also tasted rejection. Her first label Def Jam refused her music, arguing the rock edge didn’t fit modern tastes. In 2010, Gaga battled Interscope records to front “Alejandro” as her third single. And Lady Gaga continues to shock and awe, drawing dissent from outlets everywhere.

However, her overwhelming passion for art negates the negative media attention. Against opposition, she “writes music” in an almost nihilistic fashion, avowing social considerations to accommodate the genius (and passion) required of composition.

The song mirrors the sentiment, breaking the repeated d-d-d’s finally in the chorus. Glassy electronica accompanies the defining “Baby loves to dance in the dark”, emphasizing the progressing minor chord. Expansive notes easily consider “Dance in the Dark” the most vocally comprehensive of the album’s songs.

Eventually the chorus breaks, and the girl still “loves to dance in the dark”, but Gaga inserts iconic females, alluding to Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Sylvia Plath, and Lady Diana, with Liberace, Jesus, and filmmaker Stanley Kubrick lending to the theme of individuality. Without revolutionary philosophy, Gaga simply provides solace in this dance tune, to “find your freedom in the music.” External expectations and disappointment melt away on the dance floor- do what you do well with love and passion. There’s no need for subjugation or masquerades, or poisoning oneself with dissatisfaction.

When the world disapproves, turn up the music and “together we’ll dance in the dark.”

Advertisement