The Meaning Behind The Song: Outside by George Michael
George Michael’s “Outside” is one of the most loved and controversial songs of his career. The song was released in 1998, a year after Michael’s public scandal in a Los Angeles park. “Outside” has a lot of double meaning when it comes to its lyrics, the music video, and the timing of its release. Here’s a closer look at the meaning behind the song.
The Lyrics of Outside
The lyrics of “Outside” are very much about George Michael’s experience being arrested while engaging in a sexual act in a public restroom. The opening line of the song, “Let’s go outside and have some fun,” is very much about Michael’s arrest and how he was caught by a police officer. The song continues with lines such as “Freedom’s like an open road” and “I think there’s something you should know, I think it’s time I told you so” which suggest Michael’s own feelings about himself and his sexuality.
The song is also ironic, with lines such as “In America, the land of the free, they said, and of opportunity, in a just and truthful way, but where the president let you down, and the bosses let you pay.” The line refers to the highly conservative values of the United States of America, which Michael thought was an ironic twist given what had happened to him.
The Video of Outside
The music video for “Outside” is a parody of the police raid that took place in a Los Angeles public restroom. The video featured dancers dressed in police uniforms dancing in front of an illuminated ‘offender’ sign. It has a light-hearted and upbeat tone, which is opposite to the serious situation it is parodying.
The video is very much about having fun but it also sends a message that people should not feel ashamed of their sexuality or be oppressed by discriminatory laws. Michael was unapologetic about the video and stated that it was meant to be funny in a dark way.
The Timeliness of the Song
“Outside” was a comeback song for Michael following his arrest and the controversy surrounding it. It was released almost exactly a year after the incident, which means that it was released at a time when the public was still reeling from the scandal. The song was a way for Michael to acknowledge what had happened but also to move forward and put it behind him.
At the time of its release, the song was immediately popular, as it was both a catchy and upbeat track with a message that people could relate to.
FAQs
What led to George Michael’s arrest in a public restroom?
George Michael was arrested in a public restroom in Los Angeles in April 1998 when he engaged in a sexual act with an undercover police officer. The incident made front-page news and created a scandal that would follow the singer for years.
What happened after George Michael’s arrest?
After Michael’s arrest, he was charged with lewd conduct and was sentenced to 80 hours of community service. The incident also played a big role in his life and career as he was forced to come out publicly as gay.
What was the public’s reaction to George Michael’s arrest?
The public’s reaction to Michael’s arrest was mixed. Some were supportive of the singer, while others were critical and outraged. The incident led to a larger conversation around homosexuality, public sex, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Why did George Michael write the song “Outside”?
George Michael wrote the song “Outside” as a response to his arrest and the public scandal that followed. The song has a lot of double meaning when it comes to its lyrics, music video, and timing of its release.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Outside”?
The lyrics of “Outside” are very much about Michael’s experience being arrested while engaging in a sexual act in a public restroom. The song is also ironic, with lines such as “In America, the land of the free, they said, and of opportunity, in a just and truthful way, but where the president let you down, and the bosses let you pay.”
What is the message of the music video for “Outside”?
The music video for “Outside” is a parody of the police raid that took place in a Los Angeles public restroom. The video is very much about having fun but it also sends a message that people should not feel ashamed of their sexuality or be oppressed by discriminatory laws.
How did “Outside” impact George Michael’s career?
“Outside” was a comeback song for Michael following his arrest and the controversy surrounding it. The song was a way for him to acknowledge what had happened and also to move forward and put it behind him. The song was immediately popular and helped to re-establish Michael as a relevant artist.
What were the critical reviews of “Outside”?
“Outside” received generally positive reviews from music critics, with many praising its catchy tune and Michael’s upbeat personality in the song. Some critics also commented on its ironic message and the way it addressed the controversial issues of public sex and homosexuality.
Did “Outside” win any awards?
“Outside” was not nominated for any awards but it did receive a lot of commercial success. The song was a hit in many countries and was a chart-topper in the United Kingdom.
How did George Michael respond to the controversy surrounding “Outside”?
George Michael was unapologetic about “Outside” and the controversy surrounding it. He believed it was a way for him to address issues surrounding discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and to show that people should not feel ashamed of their sexuality or be oppressed by discriminatory laws.
What influence did “Outside” have on the LGBTQ+ community?
“Outside” had a significant influence on the LGBTQ+ community, as it was one of the few mainstream songs at the time that openly acknowledged and celebrated the rights of the community. The song was a way for many people to feel heard and supported in a time when discrimination against homosexuality was still prevalent.
Did George Michael perform “Outside” live?
Yes, George Michael performed “Outside” live during his tours and live shows. The song was always a fan favorite and was a great way for Michael to connect with his audience.
