Released: 2022
“About Damn Time” by Lizzo is a resounding anthem of resilience and self-confidence, reflecting Lizzo’s personal journey of self-discovery and embracing her individuality. The song is a liberating call to action, celebrating the artist’s triumphant rise above adversity and the freedom she feels in embracing her true self.
The opening line, “It’s bad bitch o’clock, yeah, it’s thick:30,” is Lizzo’s self-assured proclamation of her arrival, playing with the metaphor that it’s her time to shine. When she says it’s “thick:30”, she’s referring to her full-bodied, curvaceous figure, proudly celebrating her body – a distinctive aspect of her brand that redefines mainstream pop’s perception of beauty. She follows this up with, “I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still flirty,” signifying her resilience and unwavering spirit, a hint at the wisecracks and playful humor that have defined her persona.
The lines, “Oh, I’ve been so down and under pressure / I’m way too fine to be this stressed, yeah” indicate the struggles she’s faced, relating to the pressures of stardom, and societal expectations. But she’s quick to affirm her worth, expressing her refusal to succumb to the stress, a sentiment nodded to in the lyric, “Bitch, I might be better.” This specific line is a testament to her self-empowerment and the newfound strength she gained through her hardships.
“Turn up the music, turn down the lights / I’ve got a feeling I’m gon’ be alright,” signals a surrender to the enchanting pull of music and dance, a remedy Lizzo has often espoused. The phrase “It’s about damn time” announces her readiness to seize control of her destiny.
In the following verses, Lizzo further expatiates on her self-confidence, highlighting her fabulousness and the unapologetic self-love she embodies, seen in the line, “Feeling fussy, walking in my Balenci-ussies / Tryna bring out the fabulous.” The mention of “Balenci-ussies,” a playful blending of Balenciaga (an elite fashion brand) and “ussies,” signifies Lizzo’s extravagant style and her zest for life. She mentions needing “like, two shots in my cup”, a euphemism for letting loose and enjoying the moment, reinforcing the sense of celebration and liberation that peppers the song.
The recurring phrase “I’m coming out tonight,” can be seen as a parallel to her personal and public journey of coming out as a proud, confident, and curvaceous black woman in the music industry. The fierce declaration “It’s about damn time” reaffirms the sense of release, freedom, and the long-awaited arrival of Lizzo’s time to shine.
