Inferno Obsessions

Taken from: Billboard.com

If anyone knows obsession, it is Bruno Mars.  His song “Locked Out of Heaven” portrays such a significant dependence on a relationship in his life that he feels like he is in torment, in hell, without her.  Or, to be more particular, Mars feels eternally lost without the physical relationship they share.  Typically, I would not concentrate on such music, but this one song has the public by the throat as it has topped the Billboard Hot 100 for more than a few weeks ["Hot 100"].  Despite its popularity, I feel that “Locked Out of Heaven” is more of a negative influence than a positive one in several ways.

First, it is clearly unhealthy to rely on another person for such happiness, and as no one is faultless, the other will always fall short of being Mr. (or Mrs.) Perfect.  Even the most impeccable individual could not always be present for support, so one must learn to manage on their own.  Yet, according to Bruno Mars, without her, he is “locked out of heaven/For too long, for too long” ["Bruno Mars"].  Such dependency must not only harm the person who cannot survive without their loved one but the relationship as well. 

The song “Locked Out of Heaven” also undermines women by only centering on one aspect—their sexuality.  Mars’ repeated lines of “your sex takes me to paradise” might have been forgiven if only he included something more about their relationship, such as her personality, the jokes they share, some fun memories or anything other than the nights they spend together.  Nowadays, people (read: young girls) need to know that they are precious and important, and that they do not need to act like a sex symbol to earn love. Once again, however, Mars reinforces the opposite with his singular focus.

I found Bruno Mars to moreover undermine one more important part of life, spirituality.  The entire song equates sex to some religious experience, which does a disfavor to both; for just as another person should not be idolized (i.e. relied on for all happiness), your walk with Christ should not be compared to a sensual relationship.  I was disgusted when I first heard Mars spout, “You bring me to my knees/You make me testify/You can make a sinner change his ways/ … I’m born again every time you spend the night” ["Bruno Mars"].

Overall, while I might find myself nodding along to his catchy, new music, I cannot always agree with the messages—unhealthy relationships, the undermining of women, and disrespecting religion—he presents.  Bruno Mars has done a fantastic job as a musician; however, now he needs to work on his content.

  

Work Cited:

"Hot 100." Billboard.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2013.

               

"Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven Lyrics." DirectLyrics.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2013.