What About Us

"What About Us" is a powerful political and social protest anthem that voices the feelings of disillusionment, betrayal, and abandonment felt by ordinary people towards their leaders. Released in 2017, the song was widely interpreted as a critique of the political climate at the time, particularly in the United States, and a response to divisive leadership. The lyrics articulate the frustration of a populace that feels forgotten and ignored ('the problems that want to be solved', 'the children that need to be loved'). The central theme revolves around broken promises ('What about all the times you said you had the answers?') and failed plans ('What about all the plans that ended in disaster?'), questioning the accountability of those in power. While it has a clear political edge, its message is universal enough to resonate with anyone who has felt let down by a figure of authority, whether in a political, social, or even personal context. Ultimately, the song transforms from a lament into a rallying cry, calling for unity, awakening, and action from the marginalized and the unheard.

The song begins by establishing a collective identity of strength and potential. The narrator speaks for a group, describing them as powerful and full of promise, like 'searchlights' that can pierce the darkness and 'rockets' aimed at the stars. They represent 'billions of beautiful hearts,' a vast community of inherent worth. However, this potential has been squandered and betrayed by a figure of authority, someone they trusted who 'sold us down the river too far.' This sets up a central conflict between the hopeful, capable 'us' and the disappointing, deceitful 'you'.

The chorus erupts as a series of direct, emotionally charged, rhetorical questions. The central, repeated question, 'What about us?', serves as a desperate cry for recognition and a demand for answers. The lyrics question the broken promises and failed leadership: 'What about all the times you said you had the answers?'. They lament the shattered dreams and optimistic futures that never came to be, referring to them as 'broken happy ever afters' and 'plans that ended in disaster.' The fundamental elements of any relationship—love and trust—are also questioned, highlighting a deep sense of betrayal and abandonment. The repetition of these questions emphasizes the feeling of being forgotten and ignored by those in power.

In the second verse, the narrative continues to define the 'us' group, not as aggressors, but as vulnerable people in need. They are 'problems that want to be solved' and 'children that need to be loved,' indicating a willingness to engage and a fundamental need for care and guidance that has gone unmet. They recall their past compliance and willingness to follow—'we came when you called'—but this trust was exploited. The verse concludes with a definitive statement of realization and a refusal to be misled any longer: 'But man, you fooled us, enough is enough.'

The bridge marks a significant shift in tone from questioning and despair to resilience and action. It invokes the classic proverb 'Sticks and stones, they may break these bones,' acknowledging the pain and damage inflicted. However, it immediately pivots to a declaration of readiness and a call to awaken: 'But then, I'll be ready. Are you ready? It's the start of us, waking up, come on!'. This is a moment of empowerment, a transition from being passive victims to active participants ready for change. The narrator rejects the idea of wanting control, instead expressing a desire to 'let go,' possibly of old illusions or systems, and to mobilize. It's a call to unity and a signal that the time for waiting is over; it is now time to make their presence and their demands known.

"What About Us" was written by P!nk, Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol, and Steve Mac, with Mac also handling the production. The song was the lead single from P!nk's seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma, released on August 10, 2017. Its creation came after P!nk took a nearly four-year hiatus to focus on her family, during which she found new inspiration. P!nk stated that the song emerged from her anger and frustration with the state of the world, saying, "it was just another day I was angry about what's happening in the world". She explained in an interview that the song is about the feeling that people are not listening to each other, with loud, angry rhetoric drowning out the voices of those being forgotten and whose rights are being trampled on. The track was recorded at Rokstone Studios in London and The Village Studios in Los Angeles. It became a significant release for P!nk, marking her return to the forefront of pop music with a powerful and timely message.

The lyrics of "What About Us" are rich with metaphors and symbolism that elevate its message from a simple complaint to a poetic anthem.

• Searchlights and Rockets: The opening lines, "We are searchlights, we can see in the dark / We are rockets, pointed up at the stars," serve as powerful metaphors for the potential, intelligence, and ambition of the people. 'Searchlights' symbolize the ability to find truth and clarity even in dark, confusing times, while 'rockets' represent boundless aspirations and shared dreams.
• Broken Happy Ever Afters: This phrase is an oxymoron that powerfully conveys a sense of disillusioned hope. The fairytale concept of a 'happily ever after' is shattered, symbolizing the destruction of promised futures and the failure of leaders to deliver on their assurances of a better life.
• Sold Us Down the River: This idiom expresses a profound sense of betrayal. It implies that the people's trust and faith were deliberately exploited and traded away by those they relied on for guidance and protection.
• Sticks and Stones: The reference to the nursery rhyme "Sticks and stones may break these bones" is used to acknowledge the harm and hurt that has been inflicted. However, P!nk subverts the traditional ending; instead of focusing on words not hurting, she uses it as a launching point for a declaration of resilience and readiness to fight back.

"What About Us" navigates a complex emotional landscape, beginning with a sense of profound disillusionment and sadness. The verses convey a feeling of betrayal and hurt, as P!nk sings about broken promises and being 'sold down the river'. This evolves into frustration and righteous anger in the chorus, where the repeated questioning becomes a demand for accountability. Despite the anger, there's a strong undercurrent of hope and defiance. The upbeat, anthemic dance production prevents the song from becoming a dirge, instead infusing it with a sense of communal strength and resilience. The bridge marks the emotional climax, shifting from frustration to empowerment and a powerful call for unity and awakening ('It's the start of us, waking up, come on'). The song leaves the listener with a mixed feeling of tension—acknowledging the grim reality—and hopeful triumph, suggesting that change is possible through collective action.

"What About Us" had a significant cultural impact upon its release, becoming an anthem for various groups feeling marginalized and unheard in the political climate of 2017. The song achieved major commercial success, peaking at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number one in eight countries, including Australia and Switzerland. Critically, it was well-received for its powerful message and anthemic quality. It earned P!nk her ninth number-one on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart, making her the solo artist with the most chart-toppers on that chart at the time. The song also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Its music video, featuring diverse groups and powerful choreography, was praised for its representation and political themes. The song was performed at major events like the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards and has been covered by artists such as Kelly Clarkson, further cementing its place as a defining protest song of its era. It was also adopted as the official soundtrack for the "US Without Abuse" campaign in Australia, highlighting its real-world application as an anthem for social change.

The song's rhythmic and rhyming structure provides a compelling framework for its powerful message. Musically, it is set in common time with a moderate tempo of 114 beats per minute, creating a steady, danceable pulse that is characteristic of EDM and pop genres. This driving, four-on-the-floor rhythm contrasts with the somber lyrical themes, creating a feeling of defiant celebration and communal energy rather than pure despair. The key of A♭ major provides a rich and warm harmonic background for the melody. The rhyme scheme is relatively straightforward, primarily using couplets (AABB) in the verses, such as 'dark'/'hearts' and 'stars'/'far'. This simple structure makes the lyrics memorable and accessible. The chorus, being composed of repeated rhetorical questions, relies less on rhyme and more on the rhythmic repetition of the phrase "What about us?" to create its hook. This interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the insistent dance beat is a key element of the song's effectiveness, making its political message resonate on both a cerebral and a physical level.

"What About Us" masterfully blends musical and literary techniques to create its emotional impact.

• Musical Contrast: The song employs a striking contrast between its upbeat, four-on-the-floor EDM beat and its serious, melancholic lyrics. This juxtaposition creates a sense of urgent, defiant energy, turning a song of sorrow into a danceable protest anthem. The music, with its pulsating synthesizers and pounding drums, invites movement and unity, while the lyrics call for reflection and accountability.
• Rhetorical Questions: The chorus is built entirely on a series of powerful rhetorical questions ("What about us?", "What about love? What about trust?"). This technique directly challenges the listener and the unnamed 'you' (the leadership), demanding answers that are never given, thereby highlighting the communication breakdown and the feeling of being ignored.
• Vocal Delivery: P!nk's vocal performance is central to the song's power. She moves from a more measured, somber tone in the verses to a full-throated, passionate, and raw delivery in the chorus and bridge. This dynamic range mirrors the song's emotional journey from hurt and confusion to empowerment and defiance.
• Inclusive Language: The use of "We" throughout the song creates a sense of collective identity and shared experience. It positions the song as an anthem for a diverse group of people—the forgotten, the marginalized, the 'billions of beautiful hearts'—uniting them in a common cause.

What is the meaning behind P!nk's song 'What About Us'?

The song is a political protest anthem about feeling forgotten and betrayed by leaders. It questions broken promises and speaks for marginalized people who feel their voices aren't heard, serving as a call for accountability and unity.

When was 'What About Us' by P!nk released?

'What About Us' was released on August 10, 2017, as the lead single from her seventh studio album, 'Beautiful Trauma'.

Who wrote the song 'What About Us'?

The song was co-written by P!nk herself, along with Johnny McDaid (from the band Snow Patrol) and the song's producer, Steve Mac.

What political message is in 'What About Us'?

The song is widely seen as a critique of the political climate of 2017, particularly the Trump administration in the U.S. It addresses feelings of a nation being let down by its government and the divisiveness of its leaders.

What does the line 'broken happy ever afters' mean?

This line is an oxymoron symbolizing shattered dreams and failed promises. It refers to the idealized futures that people were led to expect but which ended in disappointment and disaster due to failed leadership.

Was 'What About Us' nominated for a Grammy?

Yes, 'What About Us' was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018.

What genre is P!nk's 'What About Us'?

It is primarily categorized as an EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and electropop song, with a strong pop and dance-pop influence. The track features a prominent dance beat contrasted with its serious lyrical content.