The Heaven and the Hell 'Montero (Call Me by Your Name)' Caused
Photo credit: genius
Lil Nas X has recently released the music video for his brand-new song 'Montero (Call Me by Your Name) and it caused polarizing opinions all around the interweb. The song with its equally graphic lyrics surprisingly hasn't gained nearly as much notoriety. The music video gathered everyone's attention for obvious reasons; if you have seen the video you'll understand why, but if you haven't, let me get you in the loop.
The 3-minute cinematic visual features 3
remastered Biblical storylines. The first scene opens with Lil Nas sitting in
the digitized Garden of Eden, playing his guitar and singing. Suddenly a snake
lures him, making him fall flat to the ground; he then kisses the snake, which
leads him to the court where he is spotted in chains and eventually gets stoned
to death by anal plugs for his "indecency". The final and arguably the
most thought-provoking was the scene where Nas slides down a stripper pole
straight to hell where he is about to meet the Devil. Nas confidently struts
along the fire-lined path in his black high-heeled boots, tight boxer shorts
and his hair in long red braids. Immediately upon approaching the Devil, Nas
starts giving him a lap dance, seduces him, steps behind him, reaches out his
hand, cracks his neck and instantly kills the Devil, resulting in Nas overtaking
the throne as the new ruler of Hell.
Although the video clearly alludes to the
harsh treatment of LGBT+ community and Lil Nas himself have suffered by many
religious institutions and individuals alike, its message flew past some of the
more conservative viewers. Granted 'Montero' is not intended for everyone, but
everyone should be able to see its significance in terms of the dialogue it
wishes to open up.
"I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the sh-- y'all preached would happen to me because i was gay, so i hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the same anger you teach us to have towards ourselves.", Nas tweeted rationalizing his intentions.
Photo credit: @LilNasX on Twitter
So, what he is actually saying through his video is: "You may send me to Hell, but I am going to have fun getting there and I will make the most of it." He is spreading the message of relearning how to love oneself and erasing the hatred society taught him to feel.
There's plenty to be said about the lyrics
of 'Montero' as well. The lyrics, which match the video with their provocative
flair, add yet another dimension to the discussion surrounding the gay identity
and that is talking openly and honestly about being in love as a gay man with another
man. Even though the lyrics may only be slightly more revealing than those of
his musical colleagues, Nas provides a unique standpoint, one which society had
not fully embraced yet, and that is exactly why people took an issue with it,
and also why these kinds of songs and music videos are important today.
Whether you agree or disagree with them,
enjoy or despise them, you can't help but talk about them and that is the
entire point. It opens up a much-needed conversation that is long overdue.
Have you seen the video? What did you think
of it?
Sources:
https://www.insider.com/lil-nas-x-devil-lap-dance-montero-sneakers-twitter-internet-2021-3
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/03/10392793/lil-nas-x-montero-satan-music-video-meaning
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