Pride and Percussions: Queer Anthems Throughout the Decades
To celebrate Pride Month this year, I wanted to honour some of the best queer anthems throughout the years. Ultimately choosing tracks that are bursting with acceptance and ones that tell the in-depth realities of queer relationships. All of which are certified classics.
Lola – The Kinks, 1970
‘Lola’ is known best for its easily recognisable strums and the tale of a beautiful woman that they spin. Starting as a nursery rhyme for Ray Davies’ daughter, those ‘la, la, la, la’s’ became so much more. In this case, the track was based on Ray’s own experience. During a night out at a club, an astonishing woman asked him to dance; when he had said no, off she went into the night with his manager.
In recent times, Moby claimed that ‘Lola‘ was “gross and transphobic” and was shocked by “how unevolved the lyrics are”. Furthermore resulting in Dave Davies speaking out, sharing a letter written by his friend and artist, Jayne County. Jayne wrote that Lola “broke the ice”; it brought conversations about these real stories. Importantly, ‘Lola’ is a special song for her as a trans woman. The Kinks had joined the world of “Bisexual, Gay, Trans, not just a world of straight heterosexuals”. It’s hard to see how anyone could take this song in vain, where our understanding has grown and grown since the 1970s. Undoubtedly, ‘Lola‘ is a representation of all these beautiful women who have always and will always exist.
Born This Way – Lady Gaga, 2011
It is an undeniable fact that this tune has remained a gay anthem since its release in 2010. Inspired by Carl Bean’s ‘I Was Born This Way’ (1977) and written whilst on the road during the ‘Monster Ball Tour’. It was named the ‘Most Inspirational LGBTQ Song of All Time‘ by Rolling Stone in 2023.
During an interview with Billboard in 2011, Gaga said that she just wanted to create a this is who I am anthem. In a world where people hide what they really want to say in poetic lyricism, she wanted this story to be a gut-punch, in the best possible way. Shockingly, at the time the iconic track was released, same-sex marriage was still banned. Indeed, its cultural significance rings true as we continue to become increasingly inclusive. She sings outwardly that no matter who you are or who you love, acceptance is the only way forward. Additionally, ‘Born This Way’ serves as the namesake for Lady Gaga’s non-profit organisation for supporting the mental health and wellness of young people. This track will forever be a political piece for love and justice.
Freedom! ’90 – George Michael, 1990
While George Michael wouldn’t come out to the world until eight years after the hit was released. ‘Freedom‘ has become a haven for those who have “something deep inside”. Michael stated that he writes about his life, not to define his sexuality. However, in this case, it gives us a peek into what was going on behind closed doors.
While the 90s were filled with pop icons, it was the things they were hiding that influenced a huge part of their music. Sadly, the AIDS epidemic was rife. Particularly, the fear of being openly gay was becoming scarier and scarier. George Michael had shown his stance by performing at Freddie Mercury’s tribute concert in 1992. Ultimately, the experience was especially poignant as his partner Anselmo Feleppa stood in the crowd. Unfortunately, he knew he had recently been diagnosed himself. As a result, the track became a standout tune for being true to yourself and breaking free from the things holding you back from doing so.
Dancing On My Own – Robyn, 2010
‘Dancing On My Own’ has become widely recognised as the heartbreak anthem for queer communities. Whether it is the first breakup or the experience of someone finding themselves at your expense, Robyn’s words ring true. We have all had that feeling of watching the one you love fall into the arms of someone else. Additionally, in many queer relationships, it is not just the vulnerability of being with somebody, but the openness of truly being yourself.
The standout tune on Robyn’s 2010 ‘Body Talk Pt.1‘ album has weaved itself into pop culture. Namely, its feature in Lena Dunham’s ‘Girls’ where her character Hannah comes to terms with the fact that her ex-boyfriend is gay. Her cathartic dancing is what the song truly is about. Moreover, it found further success in the beautiful cover from Callum Scott in 2016. Similarly, relating to his own experience as a gay man and how falling in love with straight men has left him on the outskirts. Therefore, his acoustic choices bring that intimacy to life. I saw Callum Scott sing this live at a Free Radio Live Concert; his mic had broken, so with the crowd singing back to him, was just as therapeutic as ever.
One of Your Girls – Troye Sivan, 2023
Troye Sivan is no stranger to making gay anthems. From feeling the rush to changing yourself for people, being true and honest is at the heart of his art. ‘One Of Your Girls ‘ tells the tale of falling for someone who is not secure in their sexuality. Ultimately, by offering to be just like a girl, he is changing himself to fit what his lover desires. Although this feeling is common, it is putting into words just how we can squash ourselves to fit others.
Without a doubt, that flicker of affection can be something we all chase. Including how for many gay men they can become an object of flirting for those who don’t see them as a romantic interest. Troye encapsulates this feeling of heartbreak while still wanting people to feel the support of figuring yourself out. The accompanying music video sees Troye dressed in an almost Britney Spears type get-up performing around actor/singer Ross Lynch, who has even joined Sivan on stage for the live track.
Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan, 2020
There is no denying that Chappell and her sounds of safe places took the world by storm. While the song itself tells the tale of a place where people can be themselves and dance the night away. The Pink Pony Club she sings about has become even more than that. No doubt, it is the metaphorical world that encompasses acceptance and beauty.
Admittedly, it’s hard to believe that this dazzling track wasn’t always seen as the celebratory ballad we know and love. In fact it was the catalyst for Chappell being dropped from her label in 2020. Since then, it has reached number one on the UK Official Singles Chart as her first UK chart-topper, as well as being a standout performance at the Grammy Awards. While the track tells a tale of being who you are regardless of who you may offend, the song’s story itself showcases just how breaking those moulds and never giving in always means you come out bigger and brighter.
Each of these artists represents a strong pillar in the queer community; to become a safe space for people is the greatest honour. What would you add to your Pride Month playlist?
You can find more Pride Month pieces here.
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