accidentalpaint: Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Premieres

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' Premieres

Gaga channels '90s dance music on new track celebrating individuality.
By Jocelyn Vena

Lady Gaga
Photo: Andy Sheppard/ Redferns/ Getty Images

Fun, empowering and over-the-top. Those are the first adjectives that come to mind upon hearing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way." Between Gaga's empowering lyrics and the music's heavy club influences, the song is set to appease her fans and pop lovers everywhere who had no idea what Gaga had up her meat sleeves for this highly anticipated single, which debuted early Friday morning (February 11).

At first listen, it sounds a lot like a '90s club anthem that could have been pulled right out of Madonna's "Vogue" period, complete with rhythmic spoken-word parts. But upon a closer listen, Gaga's distinct voice makes the song all hers.

"It doesn't matter if you love him or capital H-I-M," she says on loop at the song's beginning, "because you were born this way, baby."

As synths crash into a beat, Gaga belts out the song's first verse, "My mama told me when I was young/ We are all born superstars." She then quickly moves into the chorus, and it's clear this song is meant to be heard in a big space. It's fast and hard-hitting.

Gaga chants in the middle of the song: "Don't be a drag, just be a queen/ Whether you're broke or evergreen/ You're black, white, beige, chola descent/ You're Lebanese, you're Orient/ Whether life's disabilities/ Left you outcast, bullied or teased/ Rejoice and love yourself today/ 'Cause baby, you we're born this way/ No matter gay, straight, or bi/ Lesbian, transgendered life/ I'm on the right track, baby/ I was born to survive/ No matter black, white or beige/ Chola or Orient made/ I'm on the right track, baby/ I was born to be brave."

The music fades out momentarily as Gaga sings a cappella before a synthy organ comes back in and she closes out the song, her voice clear and strong. The song is part gospel for her little monsters (particularly the ones who feel persecuted for their sexuality or other differences) and part funky dance tune that anyone could relate to.

The song was written and co-produced by Gaga. Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow also got co-production credits on the track, which will appear on her May album of the same name.

What do you think of "Born This Way"? Share your reaction in the comments!

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