The Meaning Behind The Song: MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X
In March 2021, Lil Nas X released his highly anticipated single, “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” The song quickly gained popularity and controversy due to its provocative music video, which featured Lil Nas X giving Satan a lap dance. However, the song’s lyrics convey a deeper message about self-acceptance and embracing one’s true identity.
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The Inspiration Behind The Song
Lil Nas X has never shied away from expressing himself through music. His breakthrough hit, “Old Town Road,” blended country and hip-hop and became a viral sensation. With “MONTERO,” Lil Nas X draws inspiration from his personal experiences and struggles with his sexuality.
In an interview with Genius, Lil Nas X shared that the song was named after his real name, Montero, and how the song’s idea came to him as he was writing in the studio. He explains that the song is about “embracing your inner self and not really caring what anybody else has to say about it.”
The Lyrics
“MONTERO” features a catchy chorus that repeats the phrase “Call me when you want, call me when you need” and verses that delve into Lil Nas X’s personal journey of self-discovery.
In the first verse, Lil Nas X sings about “hiding” his true self and not wanting to be accepted by others: “Insecurity kept eating me alive, but I couldn’t deny the fact that I was bi.” This line resonated with many listeners, as it highlights the internal struggle that many people face when trying to come to terms with their sexuality.
The second verse is more confident, with Lil Nas X stating, “Ain’t no tweetin’, save it for the blogs,” indicating that he won’t let criticism from others affect him. He also references his previous hit, “Old Town Road,” singing, “Can’t nobody tell me nothin’.” This line reinforces his message of self-acceptance and not letting others’ opinions determine his worth.
The Music Video
When “MONTERO” was released, much of the controversy surrounding it was due to its provocative music video, which featured Lil Nas X giving Satan a lap dance. The video also portrays Lil Nas X being banished to hell and breaking free from societal norms to embrace his true self.
In an interview with Variety, Lil Nas X stated that the music video was created to “comfort the children who feel like they’re never accepted for who they are.” He also said, “I feel like it’s important, especially within the Black community because it’s like, we’re never accepting of LGBTQ+.”
The Message Behind The Controversy
Although the music video received backlash from some, Lil Nas X used the controversy to spread a message about acceptance and self-love. In a tweet, he said, “I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the s*** y’all preached would happen to me because I was gay. F*** YOU.”
Lil Nas X’s message is powerful, especially as a Black, queer artist in the music industry. According to a 2019 report by GLAAD, only 22% of Billboard’s top 100 songs of 2018 were performed by LGBTQ+ artists. The lack of representation can make it difficult for LGBTQ+ youth to see themselves and their experiences reflected in popular media.
The Legacy of “MONTERO”
“MONTERO” has already made an impact since its release. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been streamed over 300 million times on Spotify. The song’s reception indicates that there is a desire for more representation and visibility for LGBTQ+ artists in the music industry.
In an interview with NPR, Lil Nas X emphasized the importance of self-love and being true to oneself. He said, “I just want everybody who’s listening to know that they’re deserving of everything they want to do and they’re worthy of everything that they want to have, no matter what anybody says.”
Conclusion
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X is a powerful and uplifting song that serves as an anthem for self-acceptance and embracing one’s true identity. Despite controversy surrounding the music video, the song’s popularity and impact emphasize the importance of representation and acceptance in the music industry. As Lil Nas X continues to make music, he is paving the way for future LGBTQ+ artists to express themselves and be heard.
