Applause

Lady Gaga's 'Applause' is a vibrant anthem that delves into the psyche of a performer whose lifeblood is the adoration and approval of her audience. The song opens with a sense of anticipation, as the artist stands waiting for the signal—the 'bang of the gong'—to perform and face the critics. The lyrics suggest a dependency on public validation, likening fame to a drug that the artist is hooked on, with the 'vein' being the conduit for the adoration she craves.

The chorus is a straightforward declaration of this need for applause. It's a candid admission that the cheers and screams of the crowd are what give her life meaning. This is a common theme in the entertainment industry, where the line between the artist's identity and their public persona can become blurred. The repetition of 'applause' in the song emphasizes the importance of this external validation for the artist's sense of self-worth.

The bridge of the song references pop culture and art, highlighting the interplay between the two. Lady Gaga compares herself to a work by Jeff Koons, a renowned contemporary artist known for challenging the boundaries between high art and popular culture. This metaphor suggests that Lady Gaga sees herself as both a creator and a creation, a living piece of art that is shaped by and shapes pop culture. The song concludes with a chant of 'A-R-T-P-O-P,' reinforcing the idea that art and popular culture are inseparable in her work.