I regret to say that my hesitation about the song was justified; "Good for You" came out and, though it delivered musically, it was lyrically inappropriate.
I'd like to pause to quickly recap my views on music and the words I like to use to discuss it. I think this will help if you disagree with me, because then you can approach the rest of this post knowing our points of dissension:
"Above Reproach"— If a song is above reproach, it meets the standards of Christ. It doesn't have to be a Christian song, but its content must be appropriate. I expand on this in my initial Music Monday post, but basically it has nothing explicitly or implicitly inappropriate. I usually only listen to a song if it's "above reproach," though I'll sometimes make an exception when I think the themes and the way it addresses them is worth the override.
"Appropriate"— This explains whether a song measured up to the standard or not. Because my standard as a Christian is Christ, this is usually what this refers to, which usually relates back to the phrase "Above Reproach."
"Musically thus-and-such"— I recognize that my opinion on a song is easy to disagree with regardless of your personal beliefs. One thing I am more that willing to agree on is that the songs are often excellent as far as musicianship goes. Please, as you read my analysis of music, know that I know this. Usually if I call a song bad, it's because of the content, not the musicality. There are thousands of songs that I'd call bad that are musically really cool.
But now, back to Selena Gomez.
I take issue with lots of things about "Good for You." But what matters more to me than my opinion on the morality expressed in her song is the feeling I get when I realize that Selena's beliefs and feelings are reflected by this song. I know that this type of dependent behavior is real, truly I do. But it breaks my heart that she believes it anyway, and I also hate for her to trumpet it in a song. I wish I could tell her that even though I know it's valid to feel like you have to please a boy, she doesn't have to live like that or focus on that. She doesn't have to work to be "good for" any boy, and if she does, he's not the kind of boy she should have.
Lines like "gonna wear that dress you like, skin tight" and "leave my dress a mess on the floor, still look good for you" communicate desperation, and I want people to know that they don't have to be desperate!
This song is about pursuing carnal desires to keep someone happy. Happiness is circumstantial; only pursuing Christ will satisfy.
Sorry, Selena. Please know there is Someone who loves you more than that boy ever could.
