Released: 2024
“La La Land” by Demi Lovato is a song about staying true to oneself in an industry that often pushes for conformity. It’s a bold statement on individuality and the pressures of fame, especially coming from a young artist who started her career in the Disney machine.
The first verse of the song, “I am confident, but I still have my moments / Baby, that’s just me / I’m not a supermodel, I still eat McDonald’s / Baby, that’s just me,” sets the stage by showing that Demi, despite her confidence and fame, deals with the same insecurities and desires as anyone else. Her mention of not being a supermodel but eating McDonald’s is a relatable way to say she’s just a normal person at heart, pushing back against the often unrealistic standards of perfection in pop culture.
In the chorus, “Well, some may say I need to be afraid / Of losing everything, because of where I / Had my start and where I made my name / Well, everything’s the same / In the La La Land machine,” Demi addresses the fears and warnings she’s received about the entertainment industry. “La La Land” is a nickname for Los Angeles, where Hollywood dreams can either be made or lost, and the “machine” refers to the industry that can often make artists feel like they need to change who they are to fit in. Despite the risks, she emphasizes staying true to herself.
Demi also challenges societal and industry norms directly in her lyrics, “Who said I can’t wear my Converse with my dress? / Well, baby, that’s just me / Who said I can’t be single and have to go out and mingle? / Baby, that’s not me,” sharing her refusal to conform to traditional expectations of femininity and relationship status. This shows her challenging traditional views on how a woman or a star is “supposed” to act and dress.
The song concludes with a powerful reaffirmation of her identity and unshakeable self-assurance, “I won’t change anything in my life / I’m staying myself tonight.” This final statement wraps up the song’s message beautifully: Demi Lovato is committed to remaining true to herself amidst the pressures of fame and the demands of the “La La Land machine.”
In simple terms, “La La Land” by Demi Lovato is a catchy anthem about keeping it real and not letting fame change who you are. Through her relatable lyrics, Demi encourages us all to stay true to ourselves, no matter what pressures we face.
