I'd Rather Be Me (Mean Girls The Musical)

 Sometimes not every song in a musical needs to hit with you, but just the right ones do. This is one of those songs, and today I am diving into the song "I'd Rather Be Me" from the musical adaptation of the film Mean Girls.  Musicals based on movies have been abundant on this blog, and the train is not stopping any time soon. This empowerment song which comes late in the album and thus in the show is my favorite number in this show. I have not seen this show live, yet but I have listened to the album and the songs on multiple occasions, so lets dive in. 

This song comes in the later half of ACT 2, and close to the end of the cast album, as Janis stands up at the school assembly and proclaims what she should of a long time ago. Recounting how she has been hurt, how she is going to live, and wishes others to do so. Wanting everyone to call each other out, stop being fake and playing games, and be themselves. Declaring if she has to eat or be alone, that's fine as she'd rather be herself then be apart of a clique. A short but inspiring song truly with lyrics to back it up.

The song is fast paced and energetic, mainly working as a solo song with some good use of the ensemble towards the latter half of the song. The lyrics and instrumentation work together to make this song have and maintain a high energy throughout, pushing the inspiring moment forward. The instrumentation goes for a rock style and it works well with the character presenting this moment. The rock style matching the stand out personality Janis is known to have and fitting well in showing her identity as her own character. 

This song has so much good lyrics packed into a small frame, that stick with me after many listens. The message of the song shines through and shows the audience that these words should be heeded. The importance of standing out, even when it's hard and being yourself. That you the listener are individual with opinions and voice worth heeding and not the let others drown you out. Not letting the negative noise of the world around you push you down and rather stand up and be heard. This song comes at a moment when needed most, showing the lead and the other parts of the cast the path they are on and to consider if the path is worth it. 

Sometimes the side characters inspire the audience more then the leads. Especially if the leads are in a narrative where they themselves are learning a lesson alongside the audience watching them. This story is one of those cases and even though Janis makes mistakes, the ability to own up and want to change is enough to push her character ahead of Caty's. This song stands out and shows through good lyrics, good instrumentation, and a powerful message that sticks with the listener. 

This song is a must listen, I highly recommend it. Carrying the moral of the story with it and driving it home in spades, not beating it over the audiences head but being loud enough to not be ignored. This is a song I will continue jam out to, even alone, again and again.