It was an incredible moment: one of visibility, of positivity, of hope in the face of uncertainty.
A couple of years later, I stumbled on Lizzo’s video for her new single, “Boys.” It’s a song with a catchy beat that anyone can enjoy, and lyrics all about appreciating all the different kinds of “boys” that she can meet and appreciate in a sexual way. The song is boundary-pushing enough with its embrace of feminine sexuality, but it’s the video’s imagery that truly won me over to Lizzo as a person and an artist.
At one point, Lizzo turns around and dances, emphasizing her jiggling thighs to the camera. One simple thigh jiggle and my world was changed forever; Lizzo had danced her way into my fat girl heart and was there to stay.
It feels like I could write an actual dissertation on Lizzo, her skills, her persona and her cultural impact, but none of us have time for that…so let me just boil down my feelings to this:
Our culture needs Lizzo and responds to her so strongly right now because we are hungry for her brand of self-love and acceptance. Her influence is truly radical. And not radical in a “cowabunga, Dude!” sort of way. Radical in a “dismantling patriarchy one good feeling at a time” kind of way.
If you aren’t familiar with Lizzo yet, here are a smattering of lyrics from songs that showcase her can-do spirit:
Like A Girl:
“Woke up feelin’ like I just might run for President
Even if there ain’t no precedent, switchin’ up the messaging
I’m about to add a little estrogen”
Juice:
“If I’m shinin’, everybody gonna shine (yeah, I’m goals)
I was born like this, don’t even gotta try (now you know)
I’m like chardonnay, get better over time (so you know)
Heard you say I’m not the baddest, bitch, you lied”
Good As Hell:
“Come now, come dry your eyes
You know you a star, you can touch the sky
I know that it’s hard but you have to try
If you need advice, let me simplify
If he don’t love you anymore
Just walk your fine ass out the door”
Beyond all of these lyrics that scream self-love, Lizzo also has the ability to be silly. One of her earliest songs was all about having lost her phone after a wild night of partying. Her Instagram is full of genuine happy faces and time spent with friends and bandmates on tour. She’s amazing at playing the flute, and has used that skill to jokingly re-create the jazz flute scene from Anchorman.