The guy who delivers KidNews’ mail had a hot tip for us last week: We just had to listen to a song that’s eating up the airwaves around town: “Barbie Girl” by Aqua.
The mail guy had heard the song on B-96, so we called the station to get the 411 on the song. “Barbie Girl” was the most requested song at the station last week, music director Erik Bradley said. So we listened to see what the fuss was about.
“Barbie Girl” is catchy and fun, with a loud bass and an awesome electronic beat. It’s about a conversation between Barbie and Ken (though Barbie does most of the talking). We at KidNews had different takes on what Barbie’s talk was about. Some said she’s making sure Ken knows she does not want to be used: “You can touch, you can play, if you say: `I’m always yours.’ ” But others said it was a feminist statement mocking plastic, shallow relationships: “I’m a blond little girl in a fantasy world, dress me up, make it tight, I’m your girlie.” Others said get over it, it’s just a silly song. So take the song however you want.
As for Ken, we all agreed he’s not one for talk. He wants to get going and have fun: “Come jump in, be my friend, let us do it again, hit the town, fool around, let’s go party.”
This song reminded us of that cool Nissan TV ad with the dolls – except in the ad, G.I. Joe shows up in an awesome car and whistles for Barbie. She looks over the balcony, then changes clothes and comes down to cruise. Her original date, Ken, is left with his beatup car and wilted flowers.
After listening to the song a jillion times and analyzing it to death, we’re sick of it. So we suggest you don’t take it too seriously; just enjoy the beat and Barbie’s slick voice.
BUT DOES SHE HAVE TATTOOS?
You might not want this Barbie in your house – she could trash it.
We’re talking about the Limited Edition Harley Barbie at left, who comes complete with black leather, boots and chains. We called the Barbie spokespeople to see whether Harley Barbie has tattoos (as any self-respecting Harley devotee would, right?). But the spokeswoman said she didn’t know, because Barbie has clothes on. (And it would be tres rude to ask Harley Barbie herself – besides, she’d probably kick our butts.)
You should be seeing Harley Barbie in stores any time – but at $60, we don’t know if she’ll go vrooming off the shelves.
