Show & Tell

Melanie Martinez's 'Show & Tell' is a poignant critique of the entertainment industry and the objectification of artists. The song delves into the emotional turmoil of being in the public eye, where personal boundaries are often disregarded for the sake of entertainment and profit. Martinez uses the metaphor of a 'show and tell' to describe how she feels displayed and scrutinized by the audience and industry executives, highlighting the dehumanization that comes with fame.

The lyrics express a deep frustration with the way artists are treated as commodities rather than human beings. Phrases like 'You pull me by my hair so I don't go nowhere' and 'I'm on display for all you fuckers to see' convey a sense of entrapment and exploitation. Martinez is candid about the pressures of conforming to societal expectations and the pain of being judged solely on her ability to sell or please the public. The repeated line 'If I cut myself, I would bleed' serves as a stark reminder that despite her celebrity status, she is as human and vulnerable as anyone else.

The song also touches on the idea that art loses its value in a society obsessed with commercial success and scandal ('Art don't sell/Unless you've fucked every authority'). Martinez criticizes the notion that an artist's worth is tied to their ability to generate controversy or revenue. 'Show & Tell' is a powerful statement on the commodification of art and the artist's struggle for authenticity in an industry that often values profit over artistic integrity.