“Born This Way” is a song by Lady Gaga, an American singer. It’s the main song from her second album, also called “Born This Way.” Lady Gaga wrote it with Jeppe Laursen, who helped produce it alongside Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow. She came up with the song while she was on tour with the Monster Ball Tour.
The song draws inspiration from empowering music of the 1990s, particularly music that supported women, minorities, and the LGBT community. Lady Gaga sees “Born This Way” as her anthem of freedom.
The message of “Born This Way” is all about self-acceptance and embracing every part of yourself, regardless of your race, gender, or sexual orientation. It was released as the lead single from the album in February 2011.
In this article, we’ll dive into the deeper meaning of the lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Born This Way” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
It doesn’t matter if you love him
Or capital “H-I-M” (M, M, M, M)
Just put your paws up
‘Cause you were born this way, baby
In the Intro, Gaga is emphasizing the message of self-acceptance and individuality.
She’s saying it doesn’t matter who you love or how you identify (whether it’s a him, her, or anything else), just embrace who you are because you were born this way.
The mention of “paws up” could be a nod to her fans, encouraging them to show their support and solidarity.
[Verse 1]
My mama told me when I was young
“We are all born superstars”
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
“There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are”
She said, “‘Cause He made you perfect, babe”
So hold your head up, girl, and you’ll go far
Listen to me when I say
In Verse 1, Lady Gaga reminisces about her upbringing. She recounts her mother’s encouragement, stating that her mom taught her that everyone is born as a superstar.
Gaga reflects on moments when her mother styled her hair and applied lipstick, fostering her confidence. Her mother’s message emphasized self-love and acceptance, affirming that each person is created perfectly by a higher power.
Gaga advises listeners to maintain self-assurance and to believe in themselves wholeheartedly, as she sings, “So hold your head up, girl, and you’ll go far, Listen to me when I say.”
[Chorus]
I’m beautiful in my way
‘Cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don’t hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you’re set
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born this way (Born this way)
In the Chorus, Lady Gaga asserts her beauty and self-worth, emphasizing that she is perfect just the way she is because she was created by a divine force without error. She sings, “I’m beautiful in my way, ‘Cause God makes no mistakes.”
She expresses confidence in being on the correct path in life, attributing it to her inherent nature, as expressed in the lines “I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way.”
In the lines “Don’t hide yourself in regret, Just love yourself and you’re set,” Gaga advises against dwelling on past mistakes or regrets, instead advocating for self-love and acceptance.
She reassures listeners that embracing oneself is the key to fulfillment and that they are on the right path simply by being true to who they are. She sings, “I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way (Born this way).”
[Post-Chorus]
Ooh, there ain’t no other way
Baby, I was born this way
Baby, I was born this way (Born this way)
Ooh, there ain’t no other way
Baby, I was born this way
Right track, baby
I was born this way
In this part of the song, Lady Gaga reiterates the message of self-acceptance and individuality.
The repeated phrase “Baby, I was born this way” emphasizes the innate nature of each person’s identity, reinforcing the idea that there is no other way to be than true to oneself.
Gaga emphasizes that being on the “right track” means embracing one’s authentic self, as everyone is born with their unique traits and qualities.
[Interlude]
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen
Don’t be (Don’t be, don’t be)
In this part of the song, Gaga encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and to avoid holding back.
The repetition of “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen” suggests that people should not suppress their identity or conform to societal expectations.
Instead, they should confidently express themselves and embody their inner royalty. The term “queen” is used metaphorically to symbolize empowerment, authenticity, and embracing one’s uniqueness without hesitation.
[Verse 2]
Give yourself prudence and love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M, hey-hey-hey
I love my life, I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (Same DNA)
In Verse 2, Lady Gaga advises listeners to exercise caution while also showing love and appreciation for one’s friends, as she sings, “Give yourself prudence and love your friends.”
Gaga refers to herself as a “Subway kid,” suggesting she comes from humble beginnings, but she encourages others to be proud of their origins and speak their truth.
She acknowledges the challenges faced by those who feel insecure or marginalized. Yet, she encourages listeners to be true to themselves despite societal pressures, as expressed in the lines “In the religion of the insecure, I must be myself, respect my youth.”
The phrase “Believe capital H-I-M, hey-hey-hey” suggests a play on words, where “H-I-M” refers to both a higher power (God) and possibly a male lover. Gaga encourages listeners to have faith and believe in love, whether it’s love for oneself, for others, or for a higher power.
In the line “A different lover is not a sin,” Gaga promotes the idea that love knows no bounds, as she declares that loving different people is not a sin.
The lines “I love my life, I love this record and, Mi amore vole fe yah (Same DNA)” convey Lady Gaga’s deep affection for her life, her music, and her audience.
She expresses gratitude for the experiences and opportunities she has, as seen in the line “I love my life.”
The phrase “I love this record” refers specifically to the song itself or the album it’s a part of (“Born This Way”). Gaga is expressing her passion for the music she’s created. She takes pride in her work and is enthusiastic about sharing it with her fans.
“Mi amore vole fe yah (Same DNA)” is a line in Italian that translates to “My love wants to make you happy.” This phrase suggests Gaga’s desire to spread love and positivity through her music, connecting with her audience on a personal level. The mention of “Same DNA” emphasizes a shared sense of identity or belonging.
[Verse 3]
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you’re broke or evergreen
You’re black, white, beige, chola descent
You’re Lebanese, you’re Orient
Whether life’s disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
‘Cause baby, you were born this way
In Verse 3, Gaga begins with the line “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen.” Here, “drag” metaphorically refers to anything that holds a person back, such as self-doubt, negativity, or societal expectations. Being a “queen” in this context means embodying one’s true identity and embracing it with pride and confidence, regardless of any challenges or obstacles.
Gaga celebrates diversity by acknowledging people of various backgrounds and ethnicities, including those who may have faced discrimination or adversity.
She acknowledges that life’s challenges, such as disabilities or experiences of being marginalized, can lead to feelings of being outcast, bullied, or teased. However, she encourages listeners to find strength and pride in their identities despite these hardships, singing, “Rejoice and love yourself today.”
In the final line “‘Cause baby, you were born this way,” Gaga reaffirms the inherent value and worth of each person, emphasizing that they were born exactly as they are meant to be and should embrace their true selves with joy and self-love.
[Chorus 2]
No matter gay, straight, or bi
Lesbian, transgender life
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white, or beige
Chola or Orient made
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born to be brave!
I’m beautiful in my way
‘Cause God makes no mistakes (‘Cause God makes no mistakes)
I’m on the right track, baby (Right track, baby)
I was born this way (Born this way)
Don’t hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you’re set (Love yourself and you’re set)
I’m on the right track, baby (Right track, baby)
I was born this way, yeah
In Chorus 2, Lady Gaga affirms that regardless of one’s sexual orientation or identity, whether gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, or anything else, everyone has the right to be themselves and thrive.
Gaga emphasizes that people were “born to survive” and encourages them to embrace their uniqueness with bravery and confidence.
She reiterates the message that God makes no mistakes in creating people, emphasizing that everyone is beautiful and deserving of love.
[Outro]
I was born this way, hey (Hey)
I was born this way, hey (I was born this way, hey)
I’m on the right track, baby
I was born this way, hey (Born this way, hey)
I was born this way, hey (Hey)
I was born this way, hey (I was born this way, hey)
I’m on the right track, baby (Right track, baby)
I was born this way, hey
Same DNA (Hey, hey, hey, hey)
But born this way (Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
Same DNA (Hey, hey, hey, hey)
But born this way (Hey, hey, hey)
In the Outro, Lady Gaga repeats the phrase “I was born this way” as a declaration of authenticity and celebrates the inherent uniqueness of each person.
She expresses a sense of unity by mentioning “Same DNA,” suggesting a shared connection among all people despite their differences.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Born This Way”
Lady Gaga’s song “Born This Way,” featured on her album of the same name, is a standout in her career, reflecting her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.
In a 2011 interview with Billboard, Gaga explained her inspiration for the song, saying:
I want to write my this-is-who-the-fuck-I-am anthem, but I don’t want it to be hidden in poetic wizardry and metaphors. I want it to be an attack, an assault on the issue because I think, especially in today’s music, everything gets kind of washy sometimes and the message gets hidden in the lyrical play.
Harkening back to the early ’90s, when Madonna, En Vogue, Whitney Houston and TLC were making very empowering music for women and the gay community and all kind of disenfranchised communities, the lyrics and the melodies were very poignant and very gospel and very spiritual and I said, ‘That’s the kind of record I need to make. That’s the record that’s going to shake up the industry.’ It’s not about the track. It’s not about the production. It’s about the song. Anyone could sing ‘Born This Way’. It could’ve been anyone.
Gaga saw “Born This Way” as an opportunity to express her political and social beliefs more directly, unlike her previous albums, which didn’t address these communities as explicitly.
It includes references to LGBT and other minority communities, reflecting the support Lady Gaga has received from these groups over the years.
In the lyrics, Gaga chants “Don’t be a drag, Just be a queen,” referencing drag queens. A rap interlude and bridge follow, where Gaga mentions various communities. A drag queen is typically a man who dresses up in clothing and makeup associated with women, often exaggerating female characteristics for entertainment. They’ve historically been part of gay culture, although not all drag queens are gay men.
Lady Gaga highlights the idea that showing love towards both humans and a higher power can be seen as acts of devotion. She challenges prejudice against different forms of love, like non-heterosexual relationships, which are often frowned upon in some religious communities and societies.
Gaga criticizes any religious bias, believing that true worship means accepting and loving everyone as they are, as she sings, “In the religion of the insecure, I must be myself, respect my youth, A different lover is not a sin, Believe capital H-I-M, hey-hey-hey.”
She uses the phrase “born this way” to emphasize that one’s inherent nature, including aspects like sexuality, gender identity, race, and ethnicity, is not something to be changed or ashamed of.
In the end, the song encourages embracing an inclusive mindset, accepting oneself, and loving oneself unconditionally, singing, “Just love yourself and you’re set (Love yourself and you’re set), I’m on the right track, baby (Right track, baby).”
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