Why is “Bette Davis Eyes” considered a queer anthem?
The song's themes of fascination and unacknowledged longing resonate with the queer community.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
JoJo Siwa and Ethel Cain Reimagine 'Bette Davis Eyes': A Queer Anthem for the Summer | Hunter Hayes Opens Up About Growth, Fame, And New Album 'Evergreen' | Tributes Paid to Grime Pioneer Dot Rotten Following His Death at 37 | Grime Rapper and Producer Dot Rotten Dies at 37 | Olivia Rodrigo's 'Book of Love' Video: A Charity Collaboration Filmed by Children in Conflict Zones | Harry Styles' "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.": A Deep Dive | Country Joe McDonald, Woodstock Icon, Dies at 84 | Charlie Puth Named Chief Music Officer of AI Music Platform Moises | Sam Smith Welcomes Sienna Spiro to San Francisco Residency | JoJo Siwa and Ethel Cain Reimagine 'Bette Davis Eyes': A Queer Anthem for the Summer | Hunter Hayes Opens Up About Growth, Fame, And New Album 'Evergreen' | Tributes Paid to Grime Pioneer Dot Rotten Following His Death at 37 | Grime Rapper and Producer Dot Rotten Dies at 37 | Olivia Rodrigo's 'Book of Love' Video: A Charity Collaboration Filmed by Children in Conflict Zones | Harry Styles' "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.": A Deep Dive | Country Joe McDonald, Woodstock Icon, Dies at 84 | Charlie Puth Named Chief Music Officer of AI Music Platform Moises | Sam Smith Welcomes Sienna Spiro to San Francisco Residency
Music / Pop
JoJo Siwa and Ethel Cain Reimagine 'Bette Davis Eyes': A Queer Anthem for the Summer
Kim Carnes’s 1981 hit, “Bette Davis Eyes,” has seen a resurgence as a queer anthem this summer, with reinterpretations from JoJo Siwa and Ethel Cain. Both artists bring their unique perspectives to the song, highlighting themes of queer ide...
Key Insights
- **Two Interpretations:** JoJo Siwa and Ethel Cain have both released versions of “Bette Davis Eyes,” each with a distinct style.
- **Siwa's Transformation:** JoJo Siwa debuted a new look, including a short curly bob and vintage Hollywood styling, coinciding with her cover release. She also made headlines for her relationship with Chris Hughes, a fellow *Celebrity Big Brother UK* contestant, changing lyrics to reflect her new romance. Why does this matter? Siwa's personal life is now directly impacting her artistic choices, stirring both praise and controversy.
- **Cain's Fresh Take:** Ethel Cain released “Fuck Me Eyes” as a dreamy pop ballad, capturing the original's unacknowledged queerness with a modern twist. Why does this matter? Cain offers a nuanced exploration of envy and fascination, deepening the song's emotional complexity.
In-Depth Analysis
Kim Carnes's “Bette Davis Eyes” was originally a hit in 1981 and has now found new life as a queer anthem. The song, written from a third-person perspective, describes a captivating and potentially dangerous woman, sparking interpretations of longing and fascination.
JoJo Siwa, known for her vibrant and energetic persona, covered the song while also showcasing a dramatic transformation in her appearance. Her version has stirred debate, particularly due to lyrical changes referencing her relationship with Chris Hughes. This has led to discussions about her evolving identity and how it is reflected in her music. Check out her Instagram for snippets of the song and her new look.
Ethel Cain, on the other hand, offers a more introspective and emotionally complex interpretation. Her song “Fuck Me Eyes” delves into themes of envy and desire, capturing the essence of the original while adding a modern perspective. Cain's version resonates with listeners who appreciate the song's dreamy instrumentation and exploration of unacknowledged queerness. Her upcoming album, *Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You*, promises to further explore these themes.
FAQ
How have JoJo Siwa's personal relationships influenced her music?
Siwa's relationship with Chris Hughes has directly influenced her cover of “Bette Davis Eyes,” sparking discussions about her identity and artistic choices.
What makes Ethel Cain's interpretation unique?
Cain's version delves into themes of envy and desire, adding a modern perspective to the original's unacknowledged queerness.
Takeaways
- “Bette Davis Eyes” continues to resonate across generations, particularly within the queer community.
- JoJo Siwa's transformation and musical choices reflect her evolving personal identity.
- Ethel Cain offers a fresh and emotionally complex take on the classic song, exploring themes of envy and desire.
Discussion
Do you think this trend will last? Let us know! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This article may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.