“Venus Fly Trap” by MARINA

Most of us already know what a Venus flytrap is. It is a type of plant that actually digests insects unfortunate enough to get caught in its snare – a very unique addition to the natural world indeed. But as to be expected, Marina is referencing it more as a symbolic device. And what it points to as utilized is, most simply put, being wild and free. 

And such is the type of individual which the songstress presents herself as, someone who “did it (her) way” even when the world pressures her to conform.

A Motivational Song

In fact this song is meant to be an encouragement in that regard. As far as Marina is concerned, haters and distractors are more or less an ever-present factor in life. And if you actually let such individuals influence your actions, the overall pleasure you derive from being alive will be minimized. So instead, what she is admonishing is an idea like aspiring to live life to the fullest. 

Indeed she presents being alive as sort of a yin-and-yang type of affair. That is to say that “whatever you give life” is what life too is going to give you back.

And the way this ideology is manifested in her life personally is by and large via Marina not conforming to “Hollywood”. So she may be a celebrity alright. But again, as presented she achieved this lofty status on her own terms, not as a result of feening for money and fame. Or put differently, she is able to operate freely as a pop singer because she doesn’t let the game seduce her. 

And possessing such a disposition isn’t easy. It’s sort of like Marina against the world. But at the same time, she’s stubbornly up for the challenge. Or let’s say she feels it is her natural attributes and tenacity that have made her successful more so than anything else.

So yes, this song is, to some degree, an act of braggadocio. But Marina is also using the opportunity to encourage us listeners. For like her, you too can choose to be a “Venus fly trap” as opposed to a regular ol’ “wallflower”. 

So the thesis sentiment at hand is that it is up to us as individuals to edify our lives by not being complicit in accepting the norms and limitations placed upon us.

Interesting Facts

This track is from “Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land”, Marina’s fifth full-length, which Atlantic Records made public on 11 June 2021. Her first three albums, “The Family Jewels” (2010), “Electra Heart” (2012) and “Froot” (2015), were released under the songstress’s prior stage name, Marina and the Diamonds. 

It was 2019’s “Love + Fear” which was the first full-length whereas the vocalist, whose name is actually Marina Diamandis, simply took on the name Marina. And to note out of all of those projects it was actually her second, “Electra Heart”, which proved the most-successful. 

Also her biggest hit to date, 2012’s “Primadonna”, is from that project. Meanwhile “Venus Fly Trap” is the fourth single from the aforementioned “Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land”.

Marina wrote this song and also served as one of its co-producers, accomplishing the latter alongside James Flannigan. 

Marina’s dad is actually Greek, which would explain her unique last name. But Marina is a citizen of the UK, with her mother being Welsh. And despite not having what would be considered any mega hits under her belt as of yet, she has built up a loyal following throughout the years. For example, all four of Marina’s aforementioned albums made it onto the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart, and “Electra Heart” actually topped said listing. 

Also as boasted in the lyrics of “Venus Fly Trap” the vocalist is a “millionairess”, which her concurrent net worth being estimated at about $4,000,000.

Marina performed “Venus Fly Trap” on an episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers dated 14 June 2021.

Did MARINA release “Venus Fly Trap” as a single?

Yes. MARINA officially released it on 9 June 2021, being the last single issued before its album itself. On that same album appears another MARINA hit single entitled “Purge The Poison”.