The Meaning Behind The Song: Finesse by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars released his song “Finesse” in 2018, and it became an instant hit. The upbeat, funky melody and catchy lyrics quickly climbed the charts, making it one of the most popular tracks of the year.
But like most great songs, “Finesse” has a deeper meaning beneath the surface. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind the song and what it represents both lyrically and musically.
The Inspiration Behind “Finesse”
According to Bruno Mars himself, the inspiration for “Finesse” came from his childhood. He grew up listening to New Jack Swing, a genre of music that emerged in the late 1980s and blended elements of hip-hop, funk, and R&B.
Mars has cited New Jack Swing artists like Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, and Bell Biv DeVoe as some of his biggest musical influences. He wanted to pay homage to this era of music by creating a song that captured the same vibe and energy.
The Lyrics of “Finesse”
The first thing that stands out about “Finesse” is its upbeat, playful lyrics. The song is essentially an ode to the baddest girl out there—someone who’s confident, talented, and knows how to work it.
In the chorus, Mars sings:
“Don’t need no hateration, holleration In this dancerie (Yeah, skrrt) Let’s get it percolatin’, yeah Make a wave, a susurration (Susurration, hey, hey)
These lyrics are a call to the dance floor, encouraging everyone to let loose and have a good time. They also hint at the idea that the person Mars is singing about is too cool for drama and negativity.
Later in the song, Mars adds:
“You gotta be careful when you’re making love But know I’m not afraid to catch a charge (Ah, yah, yeah)”
These lyrics suggest that the girl he’s singing about is confident and in control, even when it comes to matters of the heart.
Overall, the lyrics of “Finesse” celebrate confidence, swagger, and a positive attitude. They also pay homage to the New Jack Swing era of music, which has had a lasting impact on Mars’ own sound and style.
The Music and Sound of “Finesse”
The lyrics may be a big part of what makes “Finesse” so catchy, but the music and sound of the song are equally important.
The track features a heavy bass line, bright synths, and a propulsive beat that all hearken back to the sound of New Jack Swing. It’s an infectious, danceable sound that’s impossible not to move to.
Musically, “Finesse” is a testament to Mars’ versatility as an artist. He’s known for blending different genres and influences in his music, and “Finesse” is no exception.
The song also showcases Mars’ incredible vocal range and precision. He effortlessly shifts between singing and rapping, adding to the song’s dynamic feel.
The Impact of “Finesse” on Pop Culture
Since its release, “Finesse” has had a significant impact on pop culture. The song and its accompanying music video have become cultural touchstones, inspiring countless memes, dance challenges, and tributes.
The music video, which pays homage to the 1990s TV show In Living Color, is a particular standout. It features Mars and rapper Cardi B dressed in brightly colored outfits, dancing and performing against a vibrant backdrop.
The video is a celebration of black culture and creativity, and it served as a powerful reminder of the impact that New Jack Swing had on music and style in the 1990s.
The song’s success has also solidified Mars’ place as one of the most talented and innovative artists of his generation.
FAQs
What is the story behind the music video for “Finesse”?
The music video for “Finesse” is a tribute to the TV show In Living Color, which aired in the 1990s. The show was known for its diverse cast and high-energy performances, and Mars wanted to capture that same vibe in his video. He enlisted rapper Cardi B to join him in the video, and the two of them wore colorful, 90s-inspired outfits as they danced and performed against a dynamic backdrop.
What did Bruno Mars want to accomplish with “Finesse”?
Bruno Mars has said that he wanted to pay homage to the New Jack Swing era of music with “Finesse.” He grew up listening to artists like Bobby Brown and Keith Sweat, and he wanted to create a song that captured the same energy and spirit. The song is also a celebration of confidence, swagger, and positivity, and Mars hopes that it inspires people to let loose and have a good time.
What does the term “finesse” mean?
The term “finesse” has a few different meanings, but in the context of the song, it refers to confidence, charm, and style. When Mars sings about someone having finesse, he’s saying that they’re cool, confident, and know how to work it.
What inspired the sound of “Finesse”?
The sound of “Finesse” was inspired by the New Jack Swing era of music, which emerged in the late 1980s and blended elements of hip-hop, funk, and R&B. Specifically, Mars was influenced by artists like Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, and Bell Biv DeVoe. He wanted to pay tribute to this era of music with “Finesse,” and he blended traditional New Jack Swing sounds with his own creative style.
Why did Bruno Mars choose to collaborate with Cardi B on “Finesse”?
Bruno Mars chose to collaborate with Cardi B on “Finesse” because he was a fan of her work and wanted to work with someone who shared his love of throwback 90s music. The two of them worked together to create a song that paid homage to the New Jack Swing era while adding their own modern flair.
What makes “Finesse” such a popular song?
“Finesse” is a popular song for a few different reasons. First, its upbeat, funky sound is incredibly catchy and impossible not to dance to. The song also has playful, positive lyrics that celebrate confidence, swagger, and having a good time. Finally, the music video for “Finesse,” which pays homage to the 90s TV show In Living Color, is visually stunning and has become a cultural touchstone.
What role does nostalgia play in “Finesse”?
“Finesse” is a nostalgic song that pays tribute to the New Jack Swing era of music. It’s a throwback to a time when music was all about having fun and dancing, and the song’s upbeat sound and playful lyrics capture that spirit perfectly. At the same time, the song also adds a modern edge, making it appeal to both 90s kids who remember the original New Jack Swing sound and younger generations who are just discovering it.
What impact has “Finesse” had on Bruno Mars’ career?
“Finesse” has had a significant impact on Bruno Mars’ career. The song solidified his position as one of the most innovative and talented artists of his generation, and it also introduced him to a new audience who may not have been familiar with his previous work. The song’s success also helped to cement Mars’ reputation as a versatile artist who’s able to blend different genres and styles in his music.
What impact has “Finesse” had on Cardi B’s career?
“Finesse” was a breakout hit for rapper Cardi B, who was still relatively new to the music industry at the time. The song helped to establish her as a talented and versatile artist, and it showcased her ability to work with other musicians and genres. The success of “Finesse” also helped to catapult Cardi B to superstardom, paving the way for even more successful collaborations and solo projects in the future.
What other songs by Bruno Mars have a similar sound to “Finesse”?
Bruno Mars is known for blending different genres and influences in his music, but some of his other songs with a similar sound to “Finesse” include “24K Magic,” “Chunky,” and “Perm.” All of these songs have an upbeat, funky sound that draws on elements of New Jack Swing, funk, and R&B, making them perfect for dancing and having a good time.
How has “Finesse” influenced pop culture?
“Finesse” has had a significant impact on pop culture since its release. The song and its accompanying music video have become cultural touchstones, inspiring countless memes, dance challenges, and tributes. The music video is a celebration of black culture and creativity, and it served as a powerful reminder of the impact that New Jack Swing had on music and style in the 1990s. The success of “Finesse” also helped to cement Bruno Mars’ place as one of the most innovative and talented artists of his generation.
What can we learn from the success of “Finesse”?
The success of “Finesse” teaches us a few important lessons about the music industry and pop culture in general. First, it shows us that nostalgia can be a powerful force, as people often gravitate towards things that remind them of happier times. Second, it demonstrates the power of collaboration, as the song’s success was due in large part to the chemistry and creativity of Bruno Mars and Cardi B. Finally, it reminds us that music is all about having fun and letting loose, and that sometimes the best songs are the ones that make us want to dance and forget our worries for a while.
