The Meaning Behind The Song: Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus
Few songs in recent years have caused as much controversy and attention as Miley Cyrus’ 2013 hit “Wrecking Ball.” The music video, in which Cyrus swings on a giant wrecking ball while wearing almost nothing, quickly became a viral sensation, making “Wrecking Ball” one of the most unforgettable pop songs of the decade. But beyond the controversy surrounding the video, the song itself has a deep and powerful meaning.
Breaking down the lyrics of “Wrecking Ball”
At its core, “Wrecking Ball” is a powerful love song. The song’s lyrics describe a relationship in which one person is willing to tear down everything in their life to be with the other. The song’s opening lines set the tone: “We clawed, we chained our hearts in vain / We jumped, never asking why / We kissed, I fell under your spell / A love no one could deny.”
Throughout the rest of the song, Cyrus sings about how her lover has become her “wrecking ball,” tearing down the walls she has built up around her heart. She sings, “All I wanted was to break your walls / All you ever did was wreck me.”
The chorus, of course, is the song’s most memorable moment: “I came in like a wrecking ball / I never hit so hard in love / All I wanted was to break your walls / All you ever did was wreck me.” The image of a wrecking ball smashing through walls is a powerful metaphor for the kind of all-consuming, destructive love that Cyrus is describing.
The deeper meaning behind “Wrecking Ball”
On the surface, “Wrecking Ball” is a powerful love song, but as with any great piece of art, there is much more going on beneath the surface. The song can be read as a commentary on the fame and pressure that Cyrus was experiencing at the time.
In the weeks leading up to the release of “Wrecking Ball,” Cyrus had made headlines for a series of controversial performances, including her infamous twerking dance at the MTV Video Music Awards. Many people saw these performances as signs that Cyrus was “out of control” or “going off the rails.”
In this context, “Wrecking Ball” can be seen as Cyrus’ response to the public scrutiny and backlash she was facing. The song’s lyrics could be read as a metaphor for Cyrus’ own desire to break down the walls that she had built up around herself in order to cope with the pressures of fame.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cyrus spoke about the emotional toll that her fame was taking on her at the time. She said, “I’ve had a lot of struggles and I wanted to put that on screen… I just want people to see that this is who I am right now. I’m not saying I’ve been through anything traumatic, but if you don’t have a clear picture of who you are, you get lost.”
The controversy surrounding the music video
Of course, it’s impossible to discuss “Wrecking Ball” without also addressing the music video. The video is, to put it mildly, controversial. It features Cyrus riding a giant wrecking ball while wearing nothing but white underwear and Doc Marten boots. The video was widely criticized for being overly sexualized and objectifying Cyrus.
In interviews, Cyrus has defended the video as being an expression of her artistry and her desire to be seen as more than just a manufactured pop star. She told Rolling Stone, “I know what I’m doing… I went from people just thinking I was, like, a baby to people thinking I’m this, like, sex freak that really just pops molly and does lines all day. It’s like, ‘Has anyone ever heard of rock ‘n’ roll?'”
The enduring popularity of “Wrecking Ball”
Despite the controversy that surrounded it, “Wrecking Ball” remains one of Cyrus’ most acclaimed and enduring songs. The song spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified six times platinum in the US. It has been covered by artists ranging from James Arthur to Hozier.
One reason for the song’s enduring popularity is its universal themes of heartbreak and love. No matter who you are or where you come from, chances are you’ve experienced the kind of all-consuming, destructive love that Cyrus sings about in “Wrecking Ball.”
The legacy of “Wrecking Ball”
As of 2021, “Wrecking Ball” is almost a decade old, but it continues to be a defining song in Cyrus’ career. The song marked a turning point for Cyrus, signaling her transition from a child star to a fully-formed artist.
In many ways, “Wrecking Ball” was the perfect song for this transition. It allowed Cyrus to express her vulnerability and raw emotion while also showcasing her undeniable talent as a musician and performer.
Few songs have had the impact that “Wrecking Ball” has had. It remains a powerful and unforgettable pop song, with a message that is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
