Meaning of “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor
“All About That Bass” is a song based on appreciating plus-sized women and the positive acceptance of body image, with Meghan Trainor serving as the personification of these ideals. As such, the word “bass” (as used throughout the track) actually represents “thickness”, as in the plump parts of Meghan and similar women’s bodies – particularly, as the music video highlights, the female derriere.
Owing to this, Meghan begins the first verse by pointing out that she “ain’t no size two”. In other words, she is not a thin woman. However, she can still admirably “shake it”. And “the boys” are attracted to her because she is plus-sized is in places that men appreciate. She also rejects the idea of women altering photographs of their bodies through image-manipulation software. Instead she strongly encourages them to be appreciative of their bodies as is.
In the choruses, Trainor points out that her mother has advised her not to be weight-obsessed? Because boys are programmed to “like a little more booty to hold at night”. Then she praises her derrière and relishes in the fact that she does not conform to a “stick-figure” image like a “Barbie doll”. And the rest of the song more or less follows along these same themes.
All in all, “All About That Bass” is clearly a booty-shaking anthem. However, more than that it is a call for all women, especially those who are plus-sized, to value the ‘perfection’ which is their natural body type.
Facts about “All About That Bass”
- Reportedly Meghan Trainor and American songwriter and music producer Kevin Kadish wrote this mega-hit in only 40 minutes. Kadish also produced the track.
- Interestingly enough, this song was actually recorded in Kevin Kadish’s home studio in Nolensville, Tennessee.
- “All About That Bass” has been featured in the three installments of the “Just Dance” video game series (“Just Dance Now”, “Just Dance 2016” and “Just Dance Unlimited”).
- The song was first officially released on 30 June 2014.
- Its music video, which greatly contributed to the success of “All About That Bass”, was directed by American choreographer Fatima Robinson. In July of 2017, this video surpassed two billion views on YouTube, making it one of the most-viewed videos ever on the streaming service.
- The sound of the song was strongly inspired by 1950’s music, of which both Trainor and Kadish are aficionados.
- Trainor’s first live performance of “All About That Bass” was on 16 July 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. Her first television performance of the song was on “Live! With Kelly and Michael” on 7 August 2014.
- Meghan Trainor made her professional recording debut with this multi-platinum single.
- An alternate, family-friendly version of this song (which is not available for purchase) was recorded by Meghan Trainor specifically to be used by Radio Disney.
- This track has been covered by a number of artists, most-notably amongst them being Justin Bieber.
How did “All About That Bass” perform on the charts?
The track peaked at number-1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on top for 8 weeks. In addition to the United States, this song also topped the music charts in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Does “All About That Bass” have any certification?
Yes. Eleven million copies of this track were sold in 2014, thus ranking it amongst the best-selling songs of all-time. Accordingly, it achieved the elusive diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), meaning that it has sold over 10 million copies.
It also went nine times platinum in Australia, eight times platinum in Canada, three times platinum in New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. In Denmark, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, it went double-platinum. It also went platinum in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland as well as gold in South Africa.
Did it win a Grammy Award?
No. However, it was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in 2015. It lost both nominations to Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me”.
Other notable nominations this track received were for Best Song with a Social Message at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards and Favorite Song at the 41stPeople’s Choice Awards.
