Written and composed by award-winning duo Pasek and Paul from the American musical film, “This Is Me” is an anthem for those who have been “othered” at one point in their lives. Within the context of the film and for those who have adopted it as their anthem, “This Is Me” conveys a message of empowerment and the importance of self-acceptance.
The “widely equated with the literal meaning…because this literal meaning is almost universally recognized” (Chapter 6, Hall) is the moment this song was played in the film. P.T. Barnum reveals that he is embarrassed to be associated with the stars, also known as “freaks” in his show and immediately after, The Bearded Lady (Keala Settle) breaks into the song joined by the ensemble in the chorus. When writing the song, Pasek and Paul questioned “Who’s the character, what are they feeling in this moment, what are they meaning to express, what are they needing, what’s their objective, what’s in their way? And then what actions does the song cover, what emotional ground does the song cover?” (IndieWire) Within the span of a week, the duo wrote lyrics that were authentic to the to the characters, to “these people who have lived their whole lives in the shadows and been told that they are unwanted or unlovable or broken for being who they are” said Pasek (IndieWire). The song opens with a Settle singing the lyrics “I am not a stranger to the dark/Hide away, they say/‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts/I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars/Run away, they say/No one’ll love you as you are” with a shake voice, revealing her insecurity and unease of being alienated constantly. By the end of, she is joined by the rest of the company, belting out lyrics, this time with pride “Gonna drown them out/Oh/This is me”.
For folks who have been marginalized at some point in their lives, “This Is Me” has become a surprising anthem for many. According to Hall’s definition of connotation, “to refer to less fixed and therefore more conventionalized and changeable, associative meanings, which clearly vary from instance to instance arid therefore must depend on the intervention of codes” (Chapter 6, Hall) allows the song to be adopted by folks of all walks of life as their anthem. Co-written by Pasek, who is openly gay, stated that “I’m a gay man who grew up in the closet when I was a teenager,” Pasek says. “You experience the world telling you that you’re not lovable, you’re unwanted, or something about you is broken, and you feel like you have to fix yourself or hide yourself.”(Billboard) Inspired by his own personal experience the lyrics of “This Is Me” strikes a chord for many LGBTQ+ listeners. Lyrics such as “But I won’t let them break me down to dust/I know that there’s a place for us/For we are glorious” reminds listeners of their own trials and tribulations that took place prior to them feeling comfortable in their own skin. Regardless of their gender or sexual identity and orientation, these lyrics are applicable to many life situations to its audience who are reminded of their own triumph or instill a sense of hope to those who are currently going through it.
Found in both the denotative meaning and the connotation, the triumph of embracing yourself after years of self-hatred is not lost. Through the song’s memorable and relatable lyrics, as well as the catchy tune, “This Is Me” has garnered a global audience, becoming the anthem for many.
Citations:
Atkinson, Katie, and Keith Caulfield. “Pop Shop Podcast: How Benj Pasek & Justin Paul Mined ‘Private Struggle’ for Oscar-Nominated ‘Greatest Showman’ Anthem.” Billboard, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2018, www.billboard.com/articles/columns/podcasts/8099600/pop-shop-podcast-benj-pasek-justin-paul-greatest-showman-oscars.
Marotta, Jenna. “’The Greatest Showman’: How ‘This Is Me’ Morphed from a Low-Key Ukulele Song into an Oscar-Nominated Anthem.” IndieWire, 23 Feb. 2018, www.indiewire.com/2018/02/the-greatest-showman-this-is-me-soundtrack-oscars-1201931307/.