Living for Validation: A Performance of Identity | Applause | Lady Gaga

In the world of pop music, interpreting song lyrics can often be a fascinating exercise, particularly when the songs come from an artist as dramatically expressive as Lady Gaga. To fully appreciate 'Applause', we can view it through a lens that encompasses the singer's career, her relationship with her audience, and the culture of celebrity.

'Applause' first erupted onto the pop music scene in 2013 as the leading single from Lady Gaga's album, 'ARTPOP'. With its infectious beats and catchy chorus, the song is an amazing hit tune; however, within the addictive rhythm lies a deeper meaning.

The opening verse of 'Applause' introduces the theme of an entertainer's life as Gaga sings, “I stand here waiting for you to bang the gong.” It's an admission of her dependency on the audience's acceptance, the echo of applause that validates her performance. Gaga is waiting for permission to entertain, for the call to step into the limelight, a call delivered by the audience.

The song then transitions into a powerful chorus: "I live for the applause, applause, applause / I live for the applause-plause / Live for the applause-plause." This repeated refrain further solidifies Gaga's message about the symbiotic relationship between stage performers and their audience. The strength of this statement is even stronger considering Gaga's own experiences dealing with a hiatus due to hip surgery. The singer had to step back from the stage, away from the applause, which, according to her, became a means of affirming her existence in the entertainment industry.

Contributing to the depth of the song's lyrics, 'Applause' also deals with the theme of identity — more explicitly, the struggle of maintaining personal identity while in the public eye. In referring to the Pablo Picasso painting "The Girl Before A Mirror," Gaga is illustrating the duality that exists within her life: one side of her life is real while the other is a performance played out before an audience.

Gaga's lyrics poignantly address the culture of celebrity, suggesting that celebrities are caught in a cycle of constantly performing, even outside their respective work environments. The lines, “I’ve overheard your theory / ‘Nostalgia’s for geeks’ / I guess sir, if you say so / Some of us just like to read,” seem to reference the societal judgment she has faced regarding her habit of infusing her work with retro and theatrical elements.

In essence, 'Applause' serves as Gaga's declaration of her unwavering devotion to her career and fans, even in the face of adversity. It emphasizes the power dynamics in play between entertainers and their audience, while also subtly critiquing the demanding nature of the music industry and celebrity culture. Gaga places her heart on her sleeve in 'Applause,' and reveals that at the core of her identity, she is a performer who lives not only for her art but also for the recognition it receives.

This perspective on 'Applause' is both timely and poignant, embodying the complex relationship between artists, their work, and the audience in the era of social media and internet culture. It once again underlines Lady Gaga’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms through her music.