I came across an indie song while listening to Spotify called Mr. Porcelain by Jude York. This song talks about the unattainable beauty of the person the singer longs to build a connection with. The narrator uses ‘Porcelain Doll’ as a metaphor for someone who is delicate but perfect and is hard to reach. It’s basically a broken love song sort, but listening to this song again and again makes me realize some words that relate to our inner hurt caused by our insecurities.
Mr/Ms Porcelain, Why, You are so Perfect!
Oh, he’s so attractive, could never be him
I think he might break if my hand touched his skin
I’ve never been so close to such pretty things
And it hurts to be only of earth
Porcelain dolls are the ideal picture-perfect people with perfect lives we often look up to in our daily lives. These people could simply be celebrities or influential people, or even our friends and family members who we think have it all. You name it–attractive looks, ideal relationships, healthy lifestyle, abundant wealth and top-class profession.
Porcelain dolls are usually displayed on the walls or inside thick glass enclosures. They are polished and aesthetic, delicate but protected. Like these dolls, perfect people are placed on pedestals that we look up to at a distance or on social media photos with their seamless perfect lives that come naturally to them. An epitome as society says, but usually, forces us to see our own blemishes and what we lack of, comparing ourselves to an ‘earth’, a piece of dirt.
But it’s lonely up here!
Mr. Porcelain Doll… Does it ever get lonely, a rose on the wall?
To be looked at but never to hold
As much as we all wanted to be porcelain dolls, there is a sad reality behind their picture-perfect images – their perfection is superficial and fragile. Behind the polished image lies the reality of their humanity – their struggles, insecurities, and challenges just like everyone else. They may project confidence and success, but they too experience moments of doubt, vulnerability, and imperfection. Most of the time it’s restricting, or shall I say choking.
I see celebrities going through depression and intense loneliness that sometimes they cut off their lives. Monarchs rather abdicate their supposed roles to become kings and queens and go far away and live normal lives. Behind the Instagram posts with millions of likes, she cries at night, longing for genuine joy and peace of mind. These porcelain dolls just wanted to break the hard polished materials that were slowly choking them and reveal the same dirt that we’re all made of.
I think he might break!
I could never
Oh, I could never…
The metaphor of Porcelain Dolls reminds us that the idea of perfection is nothing but an illusion. At the end of the day, we live on the same earth, we breathe the same air, and we live and die at the end of the circle of life.
It’s important to remember we all have flaws. As much as we want to hide it, it’s part of our being, and it will show off some time and somewhere. Let’s celebrate our unique selves, build true lasting connections, and live a life that brings fulfilment to our souls.
Cover Photo by Michael Noel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cloth-doll-with-porcelain-face-4938237/
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