What does Harry Styles’ “Kiwi” say about the music industry?

An in-depth interpretation reveals that “Kiwi” by Harry Styles is a brutally honest song about how the music industry invaded his life.

Written By Nehal Kamel

After the first listen, “Kiwi” sounds like nothing more than a fun song, meant to be belted and danced to in front of the mirror. However, upon further inspection, the sweet, entertaining layer of “Kiwi” can be peeled back to reveal a sour truth about the universe Harry Styles found himself thrown into at the young age of 16.

“Kiwi” builds up to the following chorus:

Driving me crazy, but I'm into it, but I'm into it

I'm kinda into it

It's getting crazy, I think I'm losing it, I think I'm losing it

Oh, I think she said “I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business”

“I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business” (it’s none of your, it’s none of your)

“I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business”

“I’m having your baby, it’s none of your, it’s none of your”

Before explaining the lyrics, it’s important to point out an aspect of the boy band world everyone is aware of, yet pays no attention to: the personality labels. The media feeds off the fans’ fervor and the image put out by the bands’ managements, assigning every member of a boy band a personality so that they form an all-encompassing group. One Direction is no exception of this method. Zayn Malik was the mysterious one, Louis the funny one, and because of his cheeky attitude and dimpled smile, Harry was dubbed the womanizer.

It is no surprise that Styles’ seems insulted and upset by this forced label, especially since it gives interviewers the courage to ask questions that objectify both him and his loved ones, a trend that’s reflected in the lyric “just a pretty face, on a pretty neck.” This line could also be interpreted as Styles stating his music is rarely the focal point of interviews or news articles, since the media often focuses on his romantic and personal life. However, because of the power media and the Internet possess, he had no say in the matter.

As a famous figure, Harry Styles was also likely subjected to publicity stunts by his label in order to create a hype for his music. The only option he had was to play into these stunts, which the lines of the prechorus “such an actress / driving me crazy,” support. On top of that, constantly being in the spotlight meant media outlets scrutinized his relationships and friendships until they reached their breaking point. For example, his friendship with former bandmate Louis Tomlinson deteriorated after fan speculation over a possible secret relationship encouraged the media to take the non-existent romance rumors a little too far.

As mentioned before, Styles had little to no say in how his life changed due to fame’s harmful effects. So when he sings “I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business” he hints that the music industry takes his life by the reins, making him the subject of life-changing situations and rumors without his approval. To clarify, the “baby” in this context is the rumors, and life-changing aspects of success that one is never prepared for. Rumors like fake babies and potential girlfriends are common for a celebrity like Styles, further tying this metaphor to the side effects of being in the entertainment industry. By saying “it’s none of your business,” Styles explains that these things cannot be changed or escaped; he does not have control over the rumors or how the articles paint him out to be, almost as if his public identity is “none of [his] business”.

It’s important to note that Styles precedes this jarring confession with the lines “Driving me crazy, but I’m into it” in order to explain that, although the success he’s earned may often prove draining, he continues to be passionate about his job and appreciates everything that comes with it. Styles expressed on multiple occasions that he is always grateful for his fans and acknowledges their role in his life and stardom, so it is vital to keep in mind that he does not take any of his success for granted.

Keeping the previous analytical points in mind, we continue onto the lyrics:

And now she's all over me, it's like I paid for it

It's like I paid for it, I'm gonna pay for this

When one is constantly under the scrutiny of millions of people, every small act (be it good or bad) has a price. Styles has been in multiple relationships that subjected him and his significant others, family members, and friends to threats and hate. The first line can be understood as Styles paying a price for his ordinary romantic relationships, or explaining that he sacrifices healthy relationships for success.

Immediately after these lines, we are thrown once again into the chorus, which starts off with Styles explaining his love for the life that drives him crazy, and goes on to talk about the loss of freedom he and others in his field of work often experience. Through this interpretation, “Kiwi” takes on a new tone; once fun and light, it’s now weighed down with meaning.

Styles’ decision to frame the song so that it could be interpreted in this light is both brave and intelligent. It’s important for us to realize our favorite celebrities are people just like ourselves.

“Kiwi” is not only a song that points out the music industry’s flaws –– it’s also meant to make us pause and reflect on how we perceive and treat those in the entertainment industry. After reading this article, hopefully you’ll begin to notice how objectified and caged our beloved entertainers are, spending countless hours creating art for us to enjoy only to face questions about the most intimate aspects of their lives.

So, next time you decide to follow an artist, make sure to follow them for their work, and remember that they are human too.

Afterglow ATXDecember 7, 2018