Emma Taylor’s songwriting is pristine, poignant and truly meaningful.
The first nineteen seconds of her new single, “Makeup” are incredibly rich in harmony and synth. The trance-like introduction paves the way for Taylor’s beautiful opening vocal, “I hate this part. The bittersweetness. When you say you miss me and I can’t repeat it back. I had your heart, thought I would keep it. But then I let it go, ‘cause I knew you loved me so much.”
It’s relatable. As a twenty-something-year-old our identity is on the line. We are treading water as we compartmentalize every facet of our life in hopes of acquiring our deepest desires. So what happens when a relationship is good? When the love is kind and the way you like it. Taylor sings, "I need you to hurt me. Cause I don’t feel worthy. Just give me a reason to be through.”
The chorus is especially anthemic as Taylor sings, “I don’t want to wake up twenty years from now, putting on my make-up missing you somehow. Let me leave it lonely. I know you’re better off. You'll find yourself a new girl who doesn’t have my flaws.”
It’s a song of self-betrayal as Taylor wishes her partner someone ‘better’ and unflawed. However, there is gloom in her assertiveness enabling us to wonder if this is what Taylor truly wants: to break free. What about twenty years from now, when Taylor is putting on makeup and looking at herself in the mirror? Will the woman then regret her words of today? It is something Taylor grapples with as makeup slides down her face in the music video showcasing deep emotional angst amongst an oceanic background.
The bridge truly reaches a pivotal point of catharsis as Taylor sings, “It’s not you it’s me. I’ve been tormented all of my life so go and be free.” It appears that Taylor hypothesizes that she is a burden to her lover. She feels her lover deserves better: to be free from her own self-torment and dark truths.
The last thirty seconds of the tune are similar to its beginning. Peaceful harmonies, synths and strings bring us out of the sonic landscape of hope and fear. Taylor reminds us that makeup only covers up our surface. For we are creatures who feel deeply and in order to heal we must confront our inner demons daringly, honestly and transparently.
“Makeup” is a testament to our formidable years as we are most vulnerable and unsure with an unforeseen future ahead.
Listen to “Makeup” on all streaming platforms!