Jang, Jung Doe

What does the song (Wannabe by Spice Girls) say about British society?

The song Wannabe was releases in 1996, and achieved conspicuous success. Before, boy-groups were occupying English pop market. That is why the Spice Girls' success was unrespectable but also refreshing jolt. In music video and lyrics, they reflected messages and thoughts they wanted to share with people. The message is mainly about girl power and free style life which is opposed to England social circumstance.

In Wannabe music video, it is possible to guess English society by a few important scenes. For example, in the very first scene, a family with Rolls Royce is heading to luxurious hotel while a beggar is in the street. Also, this family tries to ignore Spice Girls, and after all, moves their children away from Spice Girls. This plainly explains the gap between the poor and the rich. Furthermore, action taken by parents shows that the rich or high level people tend to be separated from other classes.

Spice Girls singing in the hotel beside people attending typical English party also implies some of important messages. The old people in the luxury hotel can be symbol of conservative privileges. Some of them were surprised or showed no kindness to Spice Girls. Also, there was a man who pointed his fingers to Spice Girls. From these examples, it can be assumed that there is a two different society, privileges and young people or new generation. However, there was an old lady who was dancing with Spice Girls. This can be understood as a hope of harmony.

In both from lyrics and music video, people can clearly see what Spice Girls wants to say. In music video, Spice Girls dress is somewhat informal; however, it shows each member's characteristics. This is contrast to the past, when female singers usually wear feminine style clothe. Also, Spice Girls kissed some of people in hotel to show their emotion. This represents young female generation becoming more leading role unlike in the past. One of the Spice Girls members not wearing brassiere and throwing customer list are also other examples to understand message.

In lyrics, it is even clearer to see how active and open minded females are at the time Wannabe was released. Until Spice Girls appeared, most of female singers song was about how much they love or sorrow of parting. In other words, their attitude and mind was passive. However, Spice Girls says 'I will tell you what I want' and 'don't go waste my precious time'. Hence, the song starts with 'if you wannabe my lover' and then says what they want a man to do or to be. This obviously shows that girl power was growing in English Society.

However, it is important to notice that this song does not show hostility to conservative upper class. As shown in the last scene of music video, Spice Girls took a bus. This means Spice Girls wannabe just mirrored how normal females becoming more respected and living with free will in English society.