Miley Cyrus is no stranger to the spotlight, but her latest project has brought her into a different light—one filled with old Hollywood glamour and raw emotional depth. Her song "Beautiful That Way," co-written with Andrew Wyatt and Swedish singer Lykke Li, has earned a Golden Globe nomination, shining a spotlight not only on her vocal talent but also on her versatility as an artist.
Released just hours after the Golden Globe nomination was announced, "Beautiful That Way" is a melancholic ballad that combines modern sensibilities with a touch of vintage charm. The song was written for The Last Showgirl, a film directed by Gia Coppola (granddaughter of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola) and starring Pamela Anderson, who also received a Golden Globe nomination for her role.
The film tells the poignant story of a veteran showgirl forced to navigate a new direction in life after the end of the show that has been her world for three decades. "Beautiful That Way" plays a key role in setting the tone for the film, with its lyrics echoing themes of loss, resilience, and fleeting beauty.
The Collaboration Behind the Song
"Beautiful That Way" is the result of a collaboration between Miley Cyrus, Andrew Wyatt (known for his work with artists like Lykke Li and Mark Ronson), and Lykke Li herself. Together, they created a haunting melody that fuses elements of classic Hollywood ballads with a modern edge. The lyrics capture a sense of inevitable change, comparing the main character’s journey to a rose—beautiful but capable of cutting you with its thorns.
Miley Cyrus, known for her powerful vocals and emotional range, brings a new level of depth to the track. Her voice dances between melancholy and strength, capturing the duality of the character she sings about: a woman who’s beautiful, yet fragile; strong, yet vulnerable.
"Beautiful That Way" Lyrics and Meaning
The song's lyrics are steeped in metaphor, with the imagery of a rose used to convey both the allure and pain of life in the limelight. The line "Just like a rose, red in its glow / Watch her as she sways / Just like a rose she'll cut you with thorns / She's beautiful that way" speaks to the fleeting nature of beauty and fame, highlighting the emotional complexities of a woman who has lived through both the highs and lows of her career.
One of the song's most poignant moments comes in the chorus: "I know it hurts / For what it's worth / But you had to know / Summer would go." This speaks to the inevitability of change and loss, a reminder that even the brightest moments can't last forever. But it's also a statement of resilience—despite the inevitable fall of night or the end of the summer, there is still beauty in the experience.
The song’s somber tone is balanced by its optimism, as it reflects on the fleeting nature of fame and fortune, yet also acknowledges the moments of glory that come with it. The lines "Spin, baby, spin / Night always falls / At least you had your day / Now the light shines on some other girl / Who’s beautiful that way" suggest that even as the spotlight moves on, there's something inherently beautiful about having lived through it all.
A Nod to Old Hollywood
In addition to the modern pop influences, "Beautiful That Way" also evokes the timeless sound of classic Hollywood ballads. The orchestral arrangement and sweeping melody give the song an air of glamour that feels like something out of a 1940s movie musical, while still feeling fresh and contemporary. This blend of nostalgia and modernity perfectly mirrors the themes of The Last Showgirl, which explores the intersection of old-world showbiz and new realities.
Cyrus’ vocals are the perfect fit for this type of song—vulnerable yet powerful, her voice conveys the emotions of a woman who has lived through decades of triumphs and heartaches. The connection between the character in the film and the lyrical content of the song is evident, making "Beautiful That Way" not just a standalone piece of music, but a central part of the film's emotional core.
A Glimpse into "The Last Showgirl"
Directed by Gia Coppola, The Last Showgirl is a film about a veteran showgirl, played by Pamela Anderson, whose life is upended when the long-running show she’s been a part of comes to an unexpected end. The film explores themes of identity, reinvention, and the fragility of fame, all set against the backdrop of a glamorous, but sometimes harsh, world of entertainment.
Pamela Anderson’s performance has been widely praised, with her Golden Globe nomination underscoring the depth of her portrayal. In a similar vein, Miley’s "Beautiful That Way" also encapsulates the emotional complexity of the character’s journey, resonating with audiences who understand that beauty, like fame, can be both fleeting and eternal.
The Golden Globe Nod
The Golden Globe nomination for "Beautiful That Way" marks a significant moment in Miley Cyrus’ career, showcasing her ability to take on deeply emotional and nuanced work. While she’s long been known for her chart-topping pop hits and larger-than-life persona, this nomination highlights her evolution as an artist capable of moving beyond the mainstream pop scene into more cinematic and emotionally complex territory.
For Miley, the recognition is not just a career milestone, but a testament to her artistic growth. Whether through her music or acting, she's proving time and time again that she is much more than a pop star—she is an artist, capable of tackling new challenges and delivering profound emotional experiences.
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