Song Analysis: 'Ass' by Big Sean

If there is one thing I’m great at, it’s overanalyzing. Despite this being annoying as hell during every day life, it definitely comes in handy while writing essays. I take pride in being able to analyze absolutely anything. Here is proof in the form of an 11^th grade sociology assignment in which I analyzed ‘Ass’ by the lyrical genius, Big Sean.

The song 'Ass' by Big Sean pertains to gender roles in society, and the deficiency of respect given to women. One of the first lines of the song reads, "I got girlies have naked, that shit looks like the grotto." Naturally occurring grotto are rock formations around a water source. Ancient Greeks believed a female Nymph guarded the water source, who was immortally youthful, beautiful and unrestrained sexually. Therefore, Big Sean is equating modern day women to a mythical woman during a time where ladies were solely used for sexual pleasure, and were treated like objects. Another line states, "you gon' get a tip today…fuck that, you gone get some dick today. This line implies that instead of supplying a woman with the payment given by the majority, he will instead have sexual intercourse with her, because that is all he believes women are good for. Sean also raps, "And if she look good she pay me in sex", stating that if a women is ascetically pleasing, he will hook up with her, again, objectifying women into physical pleasures.

  

 The next line I will be analyzing: “Bounce that ass. It's the roundest. You're the best. You deserve a crown, bitch." This is implying that a woman deserves a prize if she is good looking. But otherwise, there is no use of her. Also, scientific evidence establishes symmetry as a highly desirable trait indicating reproductive worthiness. The ‘roundest’ is the most symmetrical and therefore the ‘best.’ Sean implies that her butt is a champion deserving a trophy. Coronation symbolizes victory and power, which according to Big Sean, is only present if you are good looking. Sean then says, "Girl you talk too much, shut up." This is stating that he does not wish to associate with a woman for conversational purposes, but instead for her to sexually gratify him.

Not only does this song have many references to contemporary gender roles, but it also indicates a patriarchy occurring within our culture. Women are relentlessly objectified, and made into nothing but a visually pleasing servant to the male's desires. In 'Ass', Big Sean refers to women as many demeaning titles. Not once in the song does he inquire if she would like to go out to dinner, or get to know him better. Instead, he orders her to, "shut up", and "drop that ass". Overall, Big Sean portrays himself as an arrogant male, who enjoys degrading women, in the hopes of receiving sexual favors.

Still a big fan tho