Released: 2020
“Body” by Megan Thee Stallion is a provocative anthem that celebrates body positivity and unapologetic female sexuality, while affirming the singer’s power and self-confidence. This tune throws a curveball at the societal norms, emboldening women to embrace their bodies and tabla rasa the age-old stereotype of ‘perfect body’.
Now, let’s break down the verses. The song starts with the repeated “Body-ody-ody”, a playful way of saying ‘body’, illustrating her delight in her physical attributes. The expression is catchy and functions as the song’s spine, infusing it with a jazzy, lighthearted vibe. “Body crazy, curvy, wavy, big titties, lil’ waist” is the song’s anthem, a praiseful mantra that Megan uses to celebrate her contours, her womanhood, and ultimately, her individuality.
Then she delivers, “Look at how I bodied that, ate it up and gave it back,” showcasing her talent and dominance in any situation, proving she’s not only physically alluring but also ferociously talented. The line “Saucy like a barbecue but you won’t get your baby back” demonstrates her allure but also asserts that she’s not a possession, tossing a nifty shade to the men who think they can own her.
Moreover, the line “All ’em bitches scary cats, I call ’em Carole Baskins” is a clever pop culture reference about the infamous “Tiger King” antagonist, expressing how she stands out among other women in the industry who shy away from expressing their sexuality as overtly as she does, and reminding us that she’s not afraid to bite back.
Her repeating “Body-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody-ody,” is a cheeky nod to the ludicrous societal body standards women are expected to meet. And finally, the line “The category is body, look at the way it’s sittin'” is a clear hint at the ballroom culture where participants are judged based on their physical attributes among other things, and Megan is confidently asserting that she’s winning that category.
Bottom line, “Body” is a loud shout-out to assertiveness, to the relentless self-confidence that Megan embodies, a paean to body positivity, and a stick-it-to-the-man kind of song to the society that tells women how they should feel about their bodies. It’s an in-your-face, flag-waving, fireworks-bursting celebration of self-love and individualism. And it leaves us with this – love your body, own your body, because, darling, nobody can tell you otherwise.
