Feminist Approach to 'Girl On Fire'

“Girl On Fire” is a song recorded by American singer Alicia Keys in 2012. The song is about finding female’s own inner strength and channeling it in a way they have never tried before. Since the song can be characterized into feminist songs, the following paragraphs try to analyze the song through the images and representations approach, which is introduced as a feminist approach to popular culture.

First analyzation is to interpret the images being present and the revelation of such images about women’s position in the culture. The song portraits a girl that is “on fire”, and it can be generalized to meaning that the girl is passionate and untamed. To describe something on fire, the most prominent feature would be it is definitely noticeable and major. The image of a girl “on fire” reveal on a larger scale that women in the society or culture is doing well and empowering themselves constantly.

Next questions to answer are whose images are they and who do they serve. The image belongs to a girl that is being introduced in the very first line of the song. Alicia did not stop there but she immediately attached a characteristic to the girl through a metaphor, “she’s on fire”. The images can also be broadened because the song is considered as a female empowering song. The images serve as a way to show women that they can be like the girl depicted in the song, take control and light up their lives.

The consequence of these images is positive. As a common drama, feminist songs are often denounced for spitting fire at men or creating negative image toward male. In “Girl On Fire”, there is no mention of the other sex which made the song a true feminist song. It is a shame nowadays that a lot of feminist media products use disrespectful strategies to elevate female’s position in society. It is understandable that this approach can be prominent and eye catching, but the consequence can also be devastating the the meaning of feminism. Praising one sex does not mean dragging down another sex, but the competitive environment is so prevalent that creates such dehumanizing situation.

The image means that the girl is untamed, uncontrollable and fearless when Alicia commands the audience to “look the other way”. By elevating the girl Alicia allows the audience to wonder what makes this girl a “flame”. In the final verse this answer is revelled. Alicia confirms that the girl is human but what sets her apart from others is her ability to overcome the “catastrophes” that life throws at her or the ability to stay motivated even though “she’s a lonely girl”. This adds a realistic touch to the song aside from her heavenly. This quote can be complicated as Alicia could be suggesting that the girl or female in general do not need a male companion to be “bright” or a beacon of light bringing hope to this “lonely world”.

In conclusion, the song lays out its image through the phrasing of “on fire”. To be “on fire” is to grant females the freedom to take full control of who they are and how they want to live their life. It’s that moment females choose to claim their power and be extraordinary.