It’s easy to get swept up in the visual spectacle of Lisa’s “Rock Star” MV and miss the deeper layers woven into its fabric. Many interpretations fall short, relying on surface-level translations that miss the cultural nuances and Lisa’s personal journey. This analysis aims to illuminate those hidden depths, dissecting both the lyrics and visuals, even those more subtle than YG’s signature symbolism-laden MVs.
-The Teaser Images: A Bold Proclamation of Self
*The pre-release images created a stir, and rightfully so. They were a powerful declaration of Lisa’s evolution. She had stepped out of the restrictive boxes that once confined her, ready to embrace her true self.
*The most striking element? Her unapologetically tanned skin. This was a direct challenge to the outdated Asian beauty standard equating paleness with desirability and status – a notion long discarded in many parts of the world.
*But Lisa’s defiance went further. She shattered the stereotype of the submissive, “cute” Asian woman. Her bold hairstyles, confident attire, and powerful aura screamed, “I define my own beauty.” It was a message she had been conveying throughout her career, from her mentorship on “Youth With You” to countless interviews. Lisa embodied this belief, and the teaser images were its visual manifestation.
*Such imagery, especially concerning her skin tone, wouldn’t have flown under YG’s management. The emphasis on her natural complexion highlighted Lisa’s deliberate choice to showcase this aspect of her identity.
*Dark skin? Southeast Asian? Not conventionally “cute”? These were all labels Lisa transcended, achieving a level of success unimaginable to those who dared underestimate her.
*Even the clothing held meaning. In the first image, we barely see what Lisa wears, but in the second, she dons a minimal white outfit. The color white plays a significant role throughout the MV, but here, as the outfit gradually disappears, it symbolizes the shedding of societal expectations and limitations. Lisa is breaking free, ready to explore her full potential.
-The MV & Lyrics: A Symphony of Self-Acceptance
*”Rock Star” is an anthem for embracing individuality. It urges listeners to pursue their passions wholeheartedly, regardless of their background or societal expectations.
*The song is a rebellion against conforming to norms. Be it gender, skin color, tattoos, or personal style, “Rock Star” encourages celebrating our authentic selves and finding joy in our truth. It’s about pursuing our passions relentlessly, without seeking validation from a world obsessed with labels.
-Reclaiming “Rock Star”: A Southeast Asian Story
*The term “Rock Star” has evolved beyond the image of a leather-clad musician. It’s become synonymous with a celebrity, a trendsetter, a successful individual who commands attention.
*Lisa reclaims this term, declaring that a Southeast Asian woman, often stereotyped and underestimated, can reach the pinnacle of success and become a global phenomenon. It’s a powerful message of empowerment and a testament to her journey.
-Opening Scene: Yaowarat Road, Lisa’s Stage
*The MV opens with Lisa standing on a deserted Yaowarat Road. For those unfamiliar with Thailand, this might seem unremarkable. But Yaowarat is Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, a street that pulsates with life 24/7. To have it entirely empty for this shot is a powerful statement. It’s as if Lisa, with her global stardom, has commanded the city to pause, to make way for her presence.
*Even the busiest street in Bangkok bows to her. It’s a visual metaphor for Lisa’s impact, her ability to captivate and command attention.
-Lisa… Rock Star…
*Speaking of captivating, the MV is helmed by the acclaimed Henry Scholfield, known for his work with artists like Billie Eilish, Rosalia, and Dua Lipa (whose “New Rules” video, directed by Scholfield, garnered awards and over 3 billion views).
*Scholfield is renowned for his innovative camerawork, special effects, and ability to tell stories through visuals. Expect unexpected angles, mind-bending transitions, and moments that will leave video editors amazed by their complexity.
*Lisa aligns herself with the best in the business, and it shows. Interestingly, Dua Lipa and Rosalia, who have both worked with Scholfield, are also close friends of Lisa’s. It seems global connections do have their perks.
-“Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la, la“
*Lisa takes the “flex” up a notch. She’s not just inspiring fans to rap along; she’s influencing her fellow artists – the very ones her fans idolize. They, too, want to spit bars like Lisa. It’s the ultimate sign of respect and admiration from within the industry.
*Notice the clever wordplay? The “la la” echoes Lisa’s name, seamlessly transitioning to the next line, “lalisa.” It’s a subtle branding technique, subtly ingraining her full name into the listener’s mind.
-“Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?” I said hi hi”
*This lyric, often misinterpreted, is a clever jab at the stereotype of the homogenous Asian. It pokes fun at those who can’t differentiate between Asian ethnicities – a struggle many Asians, including Lisa, have likely faced. It mirrors the way some might struggle to differentiate between a British, American, or German individual.
*The assumption is often that a successful Asian artist must be Japanese, given Japan’s position as the second-largest music market. Add to that the fact that there’s a popular Japanese singer named Lisa, and the lyric becomes even more pointed.
*This line highlights the challenges Lisa, as a Thai woman in a global industry, has overcome. She’s had to work harder, prove herself more, to be recognized for her talent and not dismissed based on preconceived notions about her ethnicity. Her success is a triumph over prejudice and a testament to her resilience.
-“That’s my life, life, baby, I’m a rockstar“
*Here’s where understanding the context is crucial. This line isn’t a random boast following the previous verse. It connects directly to Lisa’s journey of overcoming those stereotypes. She’s saying, “This is my life now. I’m a rockstar, despite the hurdles.”
-“Been on a mission, boy, they call me catch-and-kill“
*Lisa’s life is a whirlwind of travel, work, and personal commitments. “Been on a mission” captures this constant state of motion, the relentless schedule of a global superstar.
*”Catch-and-kill” is where things get interesting. It’s a slang term for someone who is “box office gold,” a celebrity whose every move makes headlines, especially scandalous ones.
*The term’s darker meaning refers to the practice of paparazzi relentlessly “catching” a celebrity’s every move, especially their missteps, and then offering to “kill” the story for a hefty price.
*Lisa, with her high-profile relationships and global fame, is a prime target for such tactics. It’s a reminder that fame comes with a price, and even seemingly glamorous lives have their shadows.
-“I’m stealin’ diamonds, make them chase me for the thrill“
*Another clever use of slang! Lisa isn’t robbing jewelry stores. Here, “diamonds” represent something far more valuable in the entertainment industry: attention, buzz, the spotlight.
*She’s stolen the show, capturing the public’s fascination, and she enjoys watching others scramble to keep up.
-“Been MIA, BKK so pretty“
*This line is often mistranslated. “MIA” isn’t “missing in action” here but refers to Miami International Airport. Likewise, “BKK” is the airport code for Bangkok.
*It’s a playful comparison between two vibrant cities, each holding its own unique charm. Lisa, a global citizen, finds beauty in both.
-“Every city that I go is my city“
*This line builds on the previous one, emphasizing Lisa’s global reach and the adoration she receives worldwide. Every city becomes her home, filled with fans eager to welcome her. It’s the life of a global superstar, where geographical boundaries blur, and every location feels like familiar territory.