Somewhere around a year ago, I shared a song by the artist MIKA. He’s a queer, mixed-race British singer and songwriter with a charming, poppy sound, often employing his wild falsetto to solidify an irresistible hook. (If you’re looking to bop around in the sunshine today, check out his song “Grace Kelly.” Pure joy.)
Today, I’m choosing one of his songs that is a bit quieter, but has turned out to be quite meaningful to me. It’s a love duet between two men. Most of the time, a queer song from a pop star feels the need to point out in the lyrics that it’s for queer people. They’re usually anthemic songs about bravery, empowerment, pride — all wonderful and important things. That makes it all the more noticeable that with this one, there is no comment whatsoever.
This song is a beautiful representation of a moment many of us have experienced, perhaps even multiple times. It’s that moment when you’ve been dating someone for a while, and you think maybe you’re ready for the next step, but you think maybe they’re not, but really they are, and both of you are having the exact same wonder. It’s the moment in middle school when you clinched your body in unsure anticipation and crept your little finger over on top of your crush’s…and they relaxed after it happened, and then so did you. It’s a very sweet and world-bending moment, whether as a youngster or a fully grown adult. Somehow that pitter-patter always shows up in a relationship bending toward success, even momentarily.
To have it be sung here by two men — without a single lyric falling back on the “danger” of this being a gay action — is so touching to me. The song would work between any two people of any identity…even perhaps three or four, if that’s your style. It’s designed to be universally accessible, for each and every listener to be given the gift of reliving or imagining that moment. What’s more, Jack Savoretti, the duetter, is in a traditionally straight-presenting marriage. I don’t mention this to imply the antiquated ideology of “oh, how brave! The straight guy played gay.” Rather, I point it out to further bolster the fact that this song is not a gay song. It’s just a love song. I appreciate that so much. And, not for nothing, it’s a great tune - verse, chorus, and bridge each with a monster hook!
During Pride month, sometimes it’s easy to feel pandered to. Corporations splattering rainbows all over their logos, but where is their money going? A song like this one is a generous act coming from a pure and constructive spirit, one that fills my heart with warmth, joy, and true pride. May it bless you today as it does me.
Breathe in and out a few times. Release the tensions in your neck, your shoulders, your arms, your chest, your trunk, your hips, your legs, your feet. Agree with your body that it feels good to do this intentionally. Tell it to enjoy the next few minutes.
Now press play.
Thank you, Spirit of Music, for the voices that offer universal representation.