How Does John Legend Promote Body Positivity

From birth, a body grows and changes at a rapid pace: hair grows, limbs lengthen, and weight increases. At some point in the growing process, women start to hate how their bodies look. They think their weight is too much and their birthmarks are flaws. Women try to change how they look instead of embracing it because society encourages them to. In recent years, musicians like John Legend, have been making strides in promoting body positivity. John Legend’s song “You and I” promotes body positivity through powerful lyrics, a calming melody, and a moving storyline.

For decades, a woman has been chained by the impression her appearance makes on the public. Consequently, “all women suffer over their bodies” so they practice covering up parts of

Musicians use their lyrics not only to tell a story but to deliver a message that resonates with the listeners. John Legend used the lyrics of “You and I” to show that every woman is beautiful. The song starts off by discussing the process a woman goes through before feeling attractive enough to face the day. They “fix [their] makeup, just so” and they “try on every dress” in their closet. The lyrics go on to say that this whole process is not necessary seeing as women are already beautiful to the point where they “stop [any] room” they are in. There is no reason to try to change their appearance when they are already flawless. Although the lyrics do not bring up the diversity of women’s body, they bring about the general idea that no matter the body shape or the scars and blemishes on the body, all women are beautiful. The uniqueness of these marks makes every woman stunning in their own individual way. While boosting a woman’s confidence, the lyrics also spread the message of unity. The song title “You and I” repeats multiple times throughout the song. This repeated phrase signifies that no woman is alone in the struggle. There are others feeling the same way, and if women unite and encourage each other, surpassing the hatred is possible. Sometimes all that is needed is a kind word to make someone feel better about their appearance. John Legend’s song “You and I” wields words that not only boost a woman’s confidence but also

John Legend uses a calming melody in his song to soothe listeners. The melody of “You and I” is comparable to a lullaby. Parents use lullabies to pacify their fussy children. John Legend uses his melody to calm the fears women feel about their appearances. This melody is created through the choice of instrumentation. The song starts off with only a guitar. The guitar is played low and slow; in some ways, it can be described as moody. Shortly after the guitar, a ’80s Linn drum snare can be heard. The guitar and the snare drum play alone for a short time before being joined by horns and a Moog synth. This slow addition of instruments allows the intensity to build up during the chorus before settling for each of the verses. Despite the build-up in intensity, the calming melody never dissipates. At the conclusion of the song, the melody continues on for a short time after John Legend’s voice fades before eventually fading out as well. This song properly utilizes a melody to calm the emotions that women may feel upon viewing the deep music video and listening to the powerful lyrics that express the sensitive topic of appearance. Like most lullabies, the calming melody of “You and I” goes a long way in relieving the stress that women feel when thinking of their appearances, or more accurately the flaws they believe their bodies