Growing up as a self-proclaimed “goody two shoes”, I have always had mixed feelings about parties. From the high alcohol intake to the smoke in the air, the party atmosphere has never been my cup of tea — or should I say, my cup of booze?
As an incoming college freshman, I am incredibly intimidated by this whole party craze. I am constantly wondering if I will be alone in my dorm every night while everyone else is “having fun” at a frat party. The stereotypes of college life are built up in my head — I suppose I have pop culture to blame for that. After all, have you ever watched a chick flick without a classic college party scene?
However, this week’s pop culture surprised me when my ears met Alessia Cara’s vocals through the radio.
Immediately, my little freshman fears took a rest. Few songs truly have the power to instantly give you goose bumps, but Cara’s debut single, “Here,” does the trick. She starts the song insolently with the lyrics, “I’m sorry if I seem uninterested/ or I’m not listening/or I’m indifferent.” We can all relate to that awkward feeling whether at a party or not.
In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, Cara explains the true inspiration for the song. She talks about a party she attended the eve before this lyrical masterpiece was born.
She felt angst toward the girls gossiping, the dudes smoking weed and the guy throwing up “cause he can’t take what’s in his cup no more.” Throughout the music video, you see Cara recreating those same scenarios. She even enlisted many of the teens from the real life bash that provoked the song to recreate their roles.
One of the biggest struggles I face as a goody two shoes is doubt from adults and the labels of our society.
It seems that young people are automatically expected to embrace partying and everything that comes with it. Whenever I mention my conservative ways to someone of an older generation, a sly smile automatically crosses their face. They instantly doubt that I am telling the truth. It’s almost as if they want me to fall into the temptations in order for them to gain self-satisfaction.
They partied when they were our age, so we are expected to party too — It’s a domino effect. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Via: theonion
Throughout my life, I’ve had a hard time conveying these frustrations. But I am thankful Ms. Cara was able to do all the hard work for me through a song. She is bold enough to speak against this cliché, and the way she conveys it is wildly intelligent. She has shined a light on those, including myself, in the corner. The ones who don’t want to sacrifice their hopes and dreams for a night out.
So now I am left with these questions.
Is there anyone else on the same page as Ms. Cara and I? Is it really possible to have just as much fun without any sort of stimulation? And does indulging in drugs distract you from your dreams?
I may be a biased prude, but I have had my fair share of laughter and silly stories, all in the absence of any kind of fluid influencing me. And do you want to know the best part? I can remember these moments the next morning.
Regardless of your personal opinion of the whole party scene, this song is undeniably a summer hit that is bound to end up stuck in your head at some point.
Meanwhile, you can catch me “over here”, listening to this inspiring track and working towards my dreams. Care to join me?
Featured photo courtesy of: rollingstone
