
Introduction
“Ex’s & Oh’s” is a song by American singer-songwriter Elle King. It was released as the lead single from her debut studio album “Love Stuff” in 2014. The song is an upbeat, bluesy tune that showcases King’s powerful vocals and unique sound.
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Upon its release, “Ex’s & Oh’s” received critical acclaim and was praised for its catchy hook and memorable lyrics. The music video, which features King playing different characters in a trailer park, also received attention.
In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “Ex’s & Oh’s” and delve into the inspiration behind the song.
The Inspiration Behind “Ex’s & Oh’s”
According to King, the inspiration behind “Ex’s & Oh’s” came from her personal experiences with relationships. In an interview with Rolling Stone, King explained that the song was about “getting to have your cake and eat it too.” She elaborated, “I was in this horrible, vicious cycle with men… I would get into a relationship and it would be bad, and then at the end of the relationship, I would be the one to break it off. And then I would go find someone else, and it would be bad.”
King also revealed that the song was a response to all the guys who had treated her poorly in the past. She explained, “I wrote this song… to remind myself that I have an equal part in the suckiness of a relationship.”
The Meaning Behind “Ex’s & Oh’s”
At its core, “Ex’s & Oh’s” is a song about a woman who enjoys playing the field and isn’t interested in getting tied down in a relationship. The lyrics are empowering and encourage women to embrace their sexuality and not be ashamed of their past relationships.
The chorus, which features the memorable line “They always wanna come, but they never wanna leave,” highlights the idea that men are often attracted to King, but they don’t stick around for long. The bridge, which includes the line “I had a summer lover down in New Orleans, kept him warm in the winter left him frozen in the spring,” reinforces the idea that King is a free spirit who isn’t interested in commitment.
Overall, “Ex’s & Oh’s” is a song that celebrates independence and encourages women to embrace their sexuality and live life on their own terms.
The Impact of “Ex’s & Oh’s”
“Ex’s & Oh’s” was a commercial success upon its release. The song peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming King’s first top ten hit. It also reached number one on the Billboard Alternative chart, making King only the second solo female artist to achieve this feat.
The success of “Ex’s & Oh’s” also led to numerous award nominations for King. In 2016, she was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance.
Moreover, “Ex’s & Oh’s” was praised for its ability to challenge gender norms in music. In an interview with NPR, King explained that she wanted the song to “flip the gender roles in the blues.” She stated, “I wanted to take that back a little bit and sing it from a woman’s perspective… It was really about taking ownership of my sexuality and my romantic life.”
The music video for “Ex’s & Oh’s” also received attention for its portrayal of diverse, everyday women in a trailer park. The video portrays King as a confident, charismatic woman who is comfortable in her own skin, no matter who she is with or what she is doing.
Conclusion
“Ex’s & Oh’s” is a song that celebrates independence and encourages women to embrace their sexuality and live life on their own terms. The song is a reflection of King’s personal experiences with relationships and serves as a reminder to take ownership of one’s romantic life.
Through the success of “Ex’s & Oh’s,” King has become an influential figure in the music industry, challenging gender norms and encouraging women to be confident in who they are. The song has had a lasting impact on listeners and will continue to inspire future generations.
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