Songs With “Fairy Tale” In The Title
A fairy tale is a story with fantastical elements such as elves, goblins, wizards, and sometimes (but not always) fairies. But as awesome as it may sound, the sad truth is, that life is no fairytale. We have on our list some songs with the word ‘fairy tale’ in the title. Let’s check them out!
1. “A Dustland Fairytale” by The Killers
Ranking first on our list of songs with fairy tale in the title is ” A Dustland Fairytale” by the killers. The use of metaphor is pervasive throughout “A Dustland Fairytale.” What’s more, it’s autobiographical, drawing inspiration from events in Brandon Flowers’ own life. Flowers’ parents are supposedly portrayed by “Cinderella” and “some kind of slick American prince” in this story.
Indeed, a great deal is occurring beneath the surface of the foregoing metaphors. For instance, if we are being completely forthright, it seems that Brandon is trying to portray his father as a villain, as was suggested above.
While he may not have fully appreciated what his mother saw in his father when they were young, it seems that his father eventually overcame the shortcomings that inspired such criticism. Flowers seems to be presenting him in this way to make a point, which we will discuss in a moment.
Additionally, Brandon’s mother was battling terminal cancer at the time this song was released. This would indicate that a significant portion of the message is predicated on his hope that she will recover from her illness.
Taking into account the foregoing, then, we must conclude that it is a melancholic piece, even though the lyrics may be wrapped around a search for understanding and optimism on the singer’s part.
Ultimately, even the title is ironic. From the perspective of the “Dustland” from which they emerged, “Cinderella” and the “slick chrome American prince” meeting at such a young age and becoming spouses may initially be viewed as a “fairytale” – a manifestation of true love as far as the locals are concerned.
Flowers describes the location of the song as “White trash county” in the first verse, and the “Dustland” seems to be a poetic appellation for this. What’s more ironic about the title is that the “fairytale” didn’t have a happy ending. Instead, we have the transformation of this “prince” into a “devil.” Moreover, “Cinderella” is ultimately doomed, a reality that isn’t made as clear in the song’s lyrics as in the other.
In all candor and conclusion, it seems as though Brandon Flowers is trying to show his mother some compassion by telling her story. His impression of her life is shaped by two major events: her marriage to a man she probably shouldn’t have chosen and her subsequent death from a terminal illness.
He sees this as the prototypical story of disadvantaged White Americans. If the bridge is any indication, this is where nice ladies go to die and dreams go to hide. His use of the term “Cinderella” to describe the female subject (i.e., his mother) suggests that he sees her in a positive light, as an innocent victim.
Accordingly, this is probably why an artist like Bruce Springsteen would feel driven to hop on this tune, as is explained later in the essay. We say this because the song sounds like it could have been written by the Boss back in the day; it’s a catchy pop tune that seems to have sympathy for the everyday American whose life hasn’t turned out the way he or she had planned.
2. “Today Was a Fairytale” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift expresses in “Today Was a Fairytale” that the magical night she shared with her lover is emblematic of their fairytale romance. Or, from her point of view, the singer and addressee have just returned from an unforgettable date. And the nature of the experience they shared sums up why she is so taken with him.
Taylor has written the lyrics in the style of a fairy tale to emphasize this larger point. She was, in fact, still a teenager when she wrote the song, which is an age when many women still hold to the ideals that fairy tales espouse. Even though most fairytales feature evil stepmothers and evil stepfathers, comparing a relationship to a fairytale is a common way for young people to express their belief that their love is unrivaled.
The singer, in this case, addresses her beloved, who she calls “the prince.” Fairytale protagonists tend to be wealthy, young, and single. Many young women consider them to be the perfect potential romantic interest.
The man we’re dealing with today doesn’t appear to be filthy rich, despite the characterizations of his attire. Nor is he likely to be physically appealing to anyone besides the singer. The fact remains, however, that in her eyes he is the ideal suitor. She doesn’t care if he’s wealthy or handsome. Instead, she uses the term “prince” to describe him because he is the ideal companion in her eyes.
And if that’s the case, she’ll be the “damsel in distress,” or the girl in need of rescuing by the prince, in the fairy tale. Therefore, she is not in any real danger or suffering.
Alternatively, let’s assume that the addressee has already fulfilled the role of “suitable lover” in her life and that she needs saving mostly from the aforementioned condition.
Moreover, despite the metaphoric foundation of the lyrics, Taylor’s perspective is grounded in realism. She “looked like a mess” on the highlighted date, but the addressee assured her that she is still “beautiful” in his eyes.
Therefore, they find themselves in a surreal scenario. Or, again, she may be experiencing this because of the intensity of her feelings for him, and not because of any external factors. Because of this, she often makes analogies about how his smile transports her to “another planet.”
And, she says, “time slows down” for her whenever they’re together. When they kiss, she says, you can truly feel the “magic” she talks about.
Therefore, “Today Was a Fairytale” is, in essence, a love song. It’s not the type of information passed around the dinner table. There is an underlying suggestion that the beginning stages of this connection are just beginning.
So it’s still what some may call the “euphoric” phase. And on that note, we can say with confidence that when a person compares the romance they are experiencing to a fairy tale, they are indeed experiencing feelings of elation.
3. The Pogues ` “Fairytale of New York”
The Pogues released a single titled “Fairytale of New York” in 1987. The late English singer Kristy MacColl performs on this track. The couple’s story in this New York City-set song revolves around their pursuit of the American Dream.
It might seem like “Fairytale of New York” is about a broken heart at first listen. Though there’s no sign of a split up, the couple could still be together.
This song instead focuses on the difficulties they encountered while trying to make it in New York City. There are many challenges that the couple must overcome. Nonetheless, it appears that they are still determined to move forward despite these many obstacles.
Their hopes for the future are intertwined. Even if they don’t make it as a couple or as “Broadway” performers, the story seems to conclude that the allure and magic of New York City will endure.
Plus, Shane McGowan has said that the characters are Irish emigrants to New York. The inability to achieve the “American dream” may also be reflected in this song.
