About the song
Background on Miranda Lambert’s “Only Prettier”
- Release: July 2010, as the fourth single from her album “Revolution”
- Co-writer: Natalie Hemby
- Known for: Clever wordplay and a sassy, tongue-in-cheek tone
The story goes that Lambert and Hemby wrote “Only Prettier” in a single day, along with several other songs [Source: The Boot]. The opening line sparked Lambert’s interest, and the song quickly took shape.
Themes in “Only Prettier”
- Women’s competition: The song explores the rivalry between two different types of women. The narrator, played by Lambert, is a down-to-earth, outspoken woman contrasting with a seemingly perfect, polite foil.
- Southern charm with a bite: The lyrics use a layer of Southern hospitality (“bless your heart”) to deliver cutting remarks. It’s a playful jab at social niceties that mask underlying tensions.
- Confidence in one’s own identity: Despite the competition, the narrator is comfortable in her own skin. She doesn’t feel the need to conform to someone else’s standards of beauty or behavior.
- Social commentary: There’s a subtle hint at critiquing societal expectations for women, particularly in the South.
Video
Lyrics
Well, I’ve been saved by the grace of southern charmI got a mouth like a sailor and yours is more like a Hallmark cardIf you wanna pick a fightWell, I’m gonna have to say good nightI don’t have to be hatefulI can just say bless your heart
And even though I don’t belong with your high life friendsDoesn’t mean we don’t get together and try to make amendsIt’s easier can’t you seeLet’s agree to just disagreeWe don’t have to like each otherBut it’s sure fun to pretend
So let’s shake hands and reach across those party linesYou got your friend just like I got mineWe might think a little differentlyBut we got a lot in common, you will seeWe’re just like you, only prettier
Everybody says you gotta know your enemiesEven if they only weigh a hundred pounds and stand five foot threeIf you just smile and behaveYou can always get your wayIt’s a universal plan that’ll get you where you canIn all societies
So let’s shake hands and reach across those party linesYou got your friend just like I got mineWe might think a little differentlyBut we got a lot in common, you will seeWe’re just like you, only prettier, hey
Let’s shake hands and reach across those party linesYou got your friend just like I got mineWe might think a little differentlyBut we got a lot in common, you will seeWe’re just like you, only prettier
Well, I’ll keep drinkin’, and you’ll keep gettin’ skinnierI’m just like you, only prettier
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