“Pretty Shiny Things” by Kassi Ashton is a song that explores the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and the hidden struggles that lie beneath the surface. The lyrics depict a mother who values external beauty above all else and encourages her daughter to prioritize her appearance.

The first verse reveals the mother’s obsession with pretty shiny things, referring to material possessions and physical attractiveness. The daughter acknowledges that her mother’s perspective is no secret and that hiding her true emotions is expected. There is a clear emphasis on the external, with the mother valuing looks over inner qualities.

The chorus further emphasizes the importance of physical appearance. The mother advises her daughter to put on makeup, stand up straight, and prioritize her face over her intellect. The message is clear: beauty is pain and a woman’s worth is tied to her looks.

The second verse unveils a darker side to the story, as the mother conceals her struggles with addiction. The pretty shiny things she keeps hidden in a dresser drawer are orange bottles from the corner store. These bottles contain pills, serving as both a sleep aid and a colorful cocktail of substances. The daughter acknowledges the secret, but the mother remains tight-lipped.

The lyrics hint at the toll that the pursuit of perfection takes on individuals. While pretty shiny things may seem desirable at first, they eventually collect dust and lose their luster. The song implies that there is more to life than appearances, emphasizing the need to look beyond the surface.

The second chorus takes a different tone, encouraging the listener to remove their makeup, hold their head high, and let their guard down. It highlights the importance of vulnerability and embracing imperfections. It challenges the notion that a perfect life is desirable, suggesting that beauty lies in authenticity and emotional honesty.

As a listener, “Pretty Shiny Things” resonates with me on a personal level. It addresses the societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and challenges the notion that our worth is determined by our appearance. I have often felt the weight of these expectations and have witnessed the toll it takes on individuals, including myself.

Through this song, Kassi Ashton sheds light on the hidden struggles that many individuals face under the pressure to be pretty shiny things. It serves as a reminder that our value as individuals extends far beyond our physical appearance and that true beauty lies in our authenticity.