Irrelevant (song)

Last updated
"Irrelevant"
Pink - Irrelevant.png
Single by Pink
from the album Trustfall (tour deluxe edition)
ReleasedJuly 14, 2022 (2022-07-14)
RecordedJune–July 2022
Genre
Length3:52
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Fitchuk
Pink singles chronology
"All I Know So Far"
(2021)		"Irrelevant"
(2022)		"Never Gonna Not Dance Again"
(2022)
Music video
"Irrelevant" on YouTube

"Irrelevant" is a protest song by American singer-songwriter Pink. It was surprise release single on July 14, 2022, through RCA Records. It was written by the singer and the track's producer Ian Fitchuk. A pop punk and pop rock song, it features lyrics advocating for fighting over one's rights and touching on trolls, hypocrites, bad political decisions, and the continued fight for women's rights. Additionally she references Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1983) and the Who's "The Kids Are Alright" (1965). The song was highly inspired by the overrule of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as hate and troll comments Pink received after she voiced her opinion about the issue. It was praised by music critics, who named the track a "protest anthem". An accompanying music video, directed by the singer and Brad Comfort, was released on July 18. Irrelevant was later included on the Deluxe Tour Edition of Pink's ninth studio album, Trustfall .

Contents

Background and release

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a landmark decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization , returning the power to define abortion rights or restrictions to the states. [1] The following day, Pink voiced her opinion on Twitter, writing that the people who oppose Roe v. Wade should not listen to her music and instructed them to "fuck right off". [2] [3] The tweet divided the audiences, and generated various hate and troll comments towards the singer, which she was responding to. [4] On July 3, she posted a picture of a microphone in her house with a caption "When they tell you to 'shut up and sing'.... Okay then." [5] On July 12, the singer shared a video where she croons the chorus of "Irrelevant" a cappella. [6] [7] [8] The next day, a photo of a napkin with the song's lyrics appeared on her social media, with a caption "Woke up. Got heated. Wrote song. Coming soon." [9]

"Irrelevant" was released without any prior announcement on July 14 at 12 AM Eastern Time through RCA Records for digital download and streaming. [10] [11] [12] According to Billboard , all of the song's proceeds will be donated to Michelle Obama's nonpartisan voting initiative "When We All Vote". [8] Alongside the release, Pink revealed the cover which is a "blurry snap" depicting her giving the finger; [13] Billboard's Gil Kaufman opined that it matches the song's message. [8] She also posted a statement about the track:

"As a woman with an opinion and the fearlessness to voice that opinion, it gets very tiring when the only retort is to tell me how irrelevant I am. I am relevant because I exist, and because I am a human being. No one is irrelevant. And no one can take away my voice." [14]

Composition and reception

Cyndi Lauper2 cropped.jpg
Tarana Burke 2018 Disobedience Awards at the MIT Media Lab.jpg
Pink references to "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" performed by Cyndi Lauper (left) in the song's lyrics, while Tarana Burke (right) can be seen in the music video.

"Irrelevant" was written by Pink alongside the track's producer Ian Fitchuk, and it marks their first collaboration. [6] [11] [14] It is a pop punk [2] and pop rock [13] [15] song, described as a protest anthem by music critics. [16] [17] It is a "thumping, guitar-strumming" song, [15] with lyrics encouraging to fight for one's rights. [11] In the pre-chorus she sings "You can call me irrelevant, insignificant / You can try to make me small / I'll be your heretic, you fuckin' hypocrite / I won't think of you at all", [16] after which she asks people who hide their actions behind Christianity: "Does Jesus love the ignorant?" [11] According to her, "he'd gladly take us all". [18] She nods to the Who's "The Kids Are Alright" (1965) chanting in the chorus: "The kids are not alright / None of us are right / I'm tired but I won't sleep tonight / 'Cause I still feel alive / The kids are not alright (not alright)." [8] [13] While in the bridge, she references Cyndi Lauper's 1983 hit "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", [19] belting "Girls just wanna have rights / So why do we have to fight?" [15] Additionally, the singer is claiming ownership of her voice, opinions and self-worth in the song's lyrics. [6]

Good Housekeeping reported that fans were "stunned" by "Irrelevant" and that they "bombard[ed] Pink's Instagram with emotional comments". [5] Alexa Camp of Slant Magazine was keen of the track, opining that it "channels the scrappy energy and brash outspokenness that helped make Pink a star" which was, according to her, lacking on her past few efforts. [2] On a similar note, Julien Goncvales said that "Irrelevant" is a "ferocious anthem, with pop-rock sounds that will delight listeners—early fans". [13] iHeartRadio's Sarah Tate commented that by the song Pink "transform[ed] hateful comments she has received into a powerful protest anthem". [16] Writing for Entertainment Tonight , Sarah Schillaci described the track as "charged-up"; [6] while Dan DeLuca from The Philadelphia Inquirer labeled it as an "emphatic protest song, a rallying cry of defiance in which the singer refuses to be defined by others and works herself up into a righteous rage". [19]

Music video

The music video for "Irrelevant" was directed by Pink and Brad Comfort premiered on the former's official YouTube channel on July 18, 2022. [20] It mixes clips taken on various protests and footage that Pink recorded herself in the studio. Protests shown in the video were from civil rights movement, marches in support of MeToo movement, LGBT rights, Black Lives Matter, [21] and calls for an end to gun violence. The video also shows activists like Tarana Burke and Muhammad Ali, as well as politicians like Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani. Billboard's Kyle Denis called the visual "chilling" and tracing a "through-line between past and present struggles for justice", in addition commenting: "Although [Pink has] become known for her high-flying acrobatic performances, the star gives an equally arresting performance with her anguished delivery of the lyrics." [20] According to Leach Asmelash of CNN , the singer is protesting against sexism and racism in the video. [21]

Credits and personnel

Charts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink (singer)</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1979)

Alecia Beth Moore, known professionally as Pink, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is known for her rock-influenced pop songs and powerful voice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who Knew</span> 2006 single by Pink

"Who Knew" is a song by American singer Pink from her fourth studio album, I'm Not Dead (2006). Written by Pink, Max Martin and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, the song was originally released on May 8, 2006, by the LaFace label to radio as the album's second single, but was only a moderate success. The song saw more success upon its re-release in the United States in June 2007. Musically, "Who Knew" is a pop song. Lyrically, it regards the loss of a good friend of hers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink discography</span>

American singer and songwriter Pink has released nine studio albums, one live album, five video albums, six compilation albums, 59 singles, six promotional singles, and 51 music videos. Throughout her career, Pink has sold 60 million albums, 75 million singles and 2.4 million DVDs worldwide. According to RIAA, she has sold 18 million albums and 13.5 million digital singles. She is also UK's second best-selling female artist of the 21st century. Billboard ranked her as the fifth top female artist of the 2000s, eighth top female artist of the 2010s and the 59th greatest artist of all time. Official Charts Company hailed her as UK's most played female artist of the 21st century.

<i>Trustfall</i> 2023 studio album by Pink

Trustfall is the ninth studio album by American singer Pink. The album was released on February 17, 2023, through RCA Records. Her first studio album since Hurts 2B Human (2019), Pink worked on the production and lyrics with Fred Again, David Hodges, Max Martin, Johnny McDaid and Shellback. The Lumineers, Chris Stapleton and First Aid Kit feature as guest vocalists. Sonically, Trustfall is a dance-pop record, with inclusion of various subgenres, such as pop rock and folk. Lyrically, it speaks of various subjects, including motivation, self-acceptance, loss and love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So What (Pink song)</span> 2008 single by Pink

"So What" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her fifth studio album, Funhouse (2008). The song was written by Pink, Max Martin, and Shellback, and produced by Martin. Selected as the album's lead single, "So What" was first released on August 11, 2008, and to mainstream radios on August 25, 2008, through LaFace and Zomba Label Group. The song consists of a martial beat and synth backing. The lyrics are based on her separation from freestyle motocross rider Carey Hart, which occurred six months prior to the release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Funhouse (song)</span> 2009 single by Pink

"Funhouse" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her fifth studio album of the same title (2008). It was written by Pink alongside its producers Jimmy Harry and Tony Kanal. Lyrically, the song discusses Pink's separation from Carey Hart. It was released as the fourth single worldwide and fifth Australian single from Funhouse on July 2, 2009, by LaFace Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glitter in the Air</span> 2010 single by Pink

"Glitter in the Air" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her fifth studio album Funhouse (2008). It was written by Pink and Billy Mann, with the latter producing it. The song is a pop ballad with a soft piano accompaniment and drum beats. Its lyrics discuss the power of love and taking a leap of faith, while using various metaphors. The song was released as the sixth and final North American single from Funhouse on January 31, 2010, by LaFace Records and Jive Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raise Your Glass</span> 2010 single by Pink

"Raise Your Glass" is a song by American singer Pink from her first greatest hits compilation Greatest Hits... So Far!!! (2010). The song was written by Pink, Max Martin and Karl "Shellback" Schuster, and produced by the latter two, who are responsible for many of Pink's hits. The song celebrates the first decade since Pink's debut in 2000, and is dedicated to her fans who have been supporting her over the years.

<i>Greatest Hits... So Far!!!</i> (Pink album) 2010 greatest hits album by Pink

Greatest Hits... So Far!!! is the first greatest hits album by American singer-songwriter Pink. It was released on November 12, 2010, by Jive Records, in celebration of Pink's first decade on the music scene. The album features Pink's biggest hits from all her studio albums. Its track list differs depending on region, with four new tracks, only two of which are included in the North American edition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blow Me (One Last Kiss)</span> 2012 single by Pink

"Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Pink from her sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). Pink wrote the song with its producer Greg Kurstin. The song was released as the lead single from the album on July 2, 2012, by RCA Records, shortly after a demo version leaked on to the internet. It is an uptempo electropop song with synthesizers, keyboards, and bass drums as part of the instrumentation. Lyrically, it finds Pink reflecting on past relationships and life situations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just Give Me a Reason</span> 2013 song by Pink and Nate Ruess

"Just Give Me a Reason" is a song recorded by American singer Pink featuring Nate Ruess of the band Fun. The song was chosen as the third single from Pink's sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012). Written alongside producer Jeff Bhasker, "Just Give Me a Reason" is a pop ballad about the desire to hold on to a relationship even when it appears to be breaking down.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What About Us (Pink song)</span> 2017 single by Pink

"What About Us" is a song recorded by the American singer-songwriter Pink for her seventh studio album Beautiful Trauma (2017). RCA Records released the song for digital download and streaming on August 10, 2017, as the album's lead single. The song, which was written by Pink, Johnny McDaid, and its producer Steve Mac, is an electronic dance music (EDM) track with upbeat dance production that blends repetitive chords, synthesizers, and drum machine beats. Pink, who was inspired by the politics of the time, composed it as a political protest song with poetic and inclusive lyrics. The song's lyrics explore Pink's belief that the United States' government had failed its people and send a message about those who feel unheard or forgotten.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whatever You Want (Pink song)</span> 2018 single by Pink

"Whatever You Want" is a song recorded by American singer Pink from her seventh studio album Beautiful Trauma. Pink co-wrote the song with its producers, Max Martin and Shellback. The song impacted hot adult contemporary radio on June 4, 2018, as the third single from the album. The song reached the top 10 in Flanders and the top 40 in Hungary and Slovakia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beautiful Trauma (song)</span> 2017 single by Pink

"Beautiful Trauma" is a song by American singer Pink. She co-wrote the track with its producer Jack Antonoff. It was released through RCA Records on September 28, 2017, as the first promotional single from Pink's seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma (2017). The song was released to American contemporary hit radio as the second official single of the album on November 21, 2017. It has reached number one on Danish, German, and Polish radio.

"A Million Dreams" is a song performed by Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman, and Michelle Williams for the film The Greatest Showman (2017). It is the second track from soundtrack of the film, The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, released in the same year.

<i>Hurts 2B Human</i> 2019 studio album by Pink

Hurts 2B Human is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Pink. Released on April 26, 2019, by RCA Records, the album was initially planned as a standalone extended play (EP). Pursuing a sound that would be a departure from her previous albums, Pink enlisted the assistance of collaborators such as Greg Kurstin, Max Martin, and Ryan Tedder. The album features guest appearances by Cash Cash, Khalid, Chris Stapleton, and Wrabel. The album was officially announced during Pink's interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show broadcast in February 2019. Musically, Hurts 2B Human is a pop record whose lyrics delve into themes of love, family, introspection, life, and self-worth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk Me Home</span> 2019 single by Pink

"Walk Me Home" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human (2019). The track was announced during an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show broadcast on February 6, 2019, and it was released as the lead single from the album on February 20, 2019, by RCA Records. "Walk Me Home" was written by Pink, Scott Friedman, and Nate Ruess, while the production was handled by Peter Thomas and Kyle Moorman.

"Can We Pretend" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for her eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human (2019). The track was initially released as the second promotional single on April 11, 2019 but later sent to radio on June 21, 2019 as the album's second single. It was the most added single to radio in Australia a month prior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Know So Far (song)</span> 2021 song by Pink

"All I Know So Far" is a song by American singer and songwriter Pink. It was written by herself, Justin Paul and Benj Pasek with production by Greg Kurstin. The song was released on May 7, 2021, as a single through RCA Records from her live retrospective album All I Know So Far: Setlist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pussy (Latto song)</span> 2022 single by Latto

"Pussy" is a song by American rapper Latto. It was released on July 15, 2022, through Streamcut Media and RCA Records.

References

  1. ↑ Schumer, Lizz (June 24, 2022). "Understanding the Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade". Good Housekeeping . Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 Camp, Alexa (July 14, 2022). "Pink's 'Irrelevant' Takes on Twitter Trolls, Hypocrites, and Women's Rights". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  3. ↑ Iasimone, Ashley (June 25, 2022). "Pink Addresses Supporters of Overturning Roe v. Wade: 'Never F—ing Listen to My Music Again'". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  4. ↑ Avila, Daniela (June 27, 2022). "Pink Tells Fans Who Oppose Roe v. Wade to 'Never F—ing Listen to My Music Again'". People . Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Barrientos, Selena (July 15, 2022). "Fans Are Bombarding Pink's Instagram With Emotional Comments About Her New 'Powerful Song'". Good Housekeeping. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Schillaci, Sophie (July 14, 2022). "Pink Releases Fired-Up Protest Anthem 'Irrelevant,' Supports Michelle Obama's Voting Initiative". Entertainment Tonight . Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  7. ↑ Tate, Amethyst (July 13, 2022). "Pink Shares New Song Lyrics Written on Paper Napkin: 'Woke Up. Got Heated. Wrote Song'". People. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Kaufman, Gil (July 14, 2022). "The Kids Are Not Alright on P!nk's Urgent Protest Single 'Irrelevant'". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  9. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (July 13, 2022). "P!nk Turns Haterade Into 'Irrelevant' Song". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  10. ↑ Stone, Megan (July 13, 2022). "Pink announces new song 'Irrelevant': 'Woke up. Got heated.'". ABC News . Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Brow, Jason (July 14, 2022). "Pink Declares 'Girls Just Wanna Have Rights' On New Song Following 'Roe's Overturning". Hollywood Life . Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  12. ↑ Vincente, Juan (July 14, 2022). "Pink responde con la canción 'Irrelevant' a quienes silenciaron su protesta". Los 40 (in Spanish). Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Goncvales, Julien (July 15, 2022). "Pink répond aux critiques sur l'hymne féroce 'Irrelevant' pour son retour". Pure Chartsi in France (in French). Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  14. 1 2 Zemler, Emily (July 14, 2022). "Pink Calls for Action on Protest Anthem 'Irrelevant'". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  15. 1 2 3 Pareles, Jon (July 15, 2022). "Lizzo Conquers Self-Doubt With an '80s Jam, and 7 More New Songs". The New York Times . Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  16. 1 2 3 Tate, Sarah (July 14, 2022). "Pink Turns Hate Comments Into Powerful Protest Song 'Irrelevant'". iHeartRadio. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Pink: il nuovo singolo 'Irrelevant' ha un significato importantissimo". MTV Italia (in Italian). July 15, 2022. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  18. ↑ Prieb, Natalie (July 15, 2022). "Pink releases political single 'Irrelevant' with proceeds going to voting initiative". The Hill . Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  19. 1 2 DeLuca, Dan (July 18, 2022). "DeLuca's 5 Picks: Pink and Margo Price protest songs, plus Nightlands and music of 'The Bear'". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  20. 1 2 Denis, Kyle (July 18, 2022). "Pink Takes On The Supreme Court, Trump & Gun Violence in New 'Irrelevant' Music Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  21. 1 2 Asmelash, Leah (July 18, 2022). "Pink releases music video for new song 'Irrelevant,' protesting sexism and racism in the US". CNN . Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  22. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 25 July 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1690. Australian Recording Industry Association. July 25, 2022. p. 4.
  23. ↑ "P!nk – Irrelevant" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Pnk Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  25. ↑ "P!nk Chart History (Canadian Digital Song Sales)". Billboard . Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  26. ↑ "Pnk Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  27. ↑ P!nk — Irrelevant. TopHit. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  28. ↑ "HRT Airplay Radio Chart No. 1055 - Issue Date: November 29st 2022" (PDF). Hrvatska Radiotelevizija. 29 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  29. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 202242 into search. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Classement Radio (Week 1, 2023)". SNEP . Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Offizielle Download Charts Single" (in German). Official German Charts. 15 November 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  32. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of July 27, 2022". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Tónlistinn – Lög" [The Music – Songs] (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  34. ↑ "P!nk Chart History (Mexico Airplay)". Billboard . Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  35. ↑ "P!nk Chart History (Mexico ingles airplay)". Billboard . Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  36. ↑ "Tipparade week 31 van 2022". Top40.nl (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  37. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  38. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 202238 into search. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  39. ↑ "Schweizer Airplay Charts 31/2022 - hitparade.ch". hitparade.ch. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  40. ↑ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  41. ↑ "Pnk Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  42. ↑ "Pnk Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  43. ↑ "Pnk Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  44. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 2022" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved January 13, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.