Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Vivian Nguyen

B Block

Fight Song by Rachel Platten

        The song, “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, demonstrates the Transcendentalist ideal of self-reliance. The lyrics, “Like a small boat on the ocean sending big waves into motion…I might only have one match but I can make an explosion…This is my fight song,” forms a metaphor in which a single boat floating on a vast ocean is compared to Platten’s independence. She informs the listeners that although she is a small human being, she is autonomous. She relies on her own efforts, abilities, and powers rather than those exerted or supplied by others. This proves her essence of self-determination.

        Furthermore, Rachel Platten’s song also demonstrates the Transcendentalist ideal of here and now. She remarks, “My power’s turned on starting right now I’ll be strong.” She reveals that she is now strong and powerful. She tells the listeners that starting right now, she is going to hold her head up high with determination and power. She’s not going to let anyone or anything get in her way because she becomes optimistic and begins to feel confident in herself.

        Not only does the song, “Fight Song”, exhibit the Transcendentalist ideals of self-reliance and here and now, but it also demonstrates the ideal that society is bad. Rachel Platten writes, “And I don’t really care if nobody else believes ‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.” She uncovers that she is not concerned with what others think of her. She knows that she is truly strong, powerful and capable no matter what people say. She completely blocks out society’s expectations and reveals that she genuinely believes in herself.