A Country Girl Fairytale

As summer is approaching I have been listening to Country music more than usual.  I have noticed that fairy tales are mentioned in some songs but was wondering if there were any country artists other then Taylor Swift who sings specifically about fairy tales.  So i googled 'Country Fairytale Songs' and found the song 'Country Girl Fairytale' by Ruth Collins.  Unfortunately there is no good recording of the song so I read through the lyrics.  This artist took many aspects of the typical fairytale, but translated them to the desires of a 'Country Girl.'  


            I never wanted a week night
            I always wanted a cowboy
            I never dreamed of a castle in the clouds
            Just a cabin on the edge of town

            So welcome to the country girl fairytale                                                                                                                                                                             Running down the dirt road, pennies in a wishing well
            Hey, I got a plan for some Tennessee land
            The snow that's in the river I'll sing at later on
            Little house on 20 acres of all of you

            Our very little own happy ever after
            And all our dreams come true

I really like how the artist translated the qualities of fairy tales into her own life because it is a clear example of  the idea that every women's image of a fairy tale is different.  She explains that she doesn't want to live in a castle, as she is content in a cabin.  Also, she has her own wishing well and water that she will sing in to as Snow White does.  She then mentions one of the most memorable phrases in fairy tales, 'happy ever after.'  It is their 'own little happy ever after.'  Everyone has different dreams and therefore their own fairy tales.

Lyrics taken from: http://www.lyricsmania.com/country_girl_fairytale_lyrics_ruth_collins.html

The Many Faces of Princesses

The TLC show, 'Say Yes to the Dress,' is regularly watched in my home.  So when there was a special 'Say Yes to the Dress: Princess Brides' episode on last night, it was no surprise we all gathered around to watch.  This special was on because of the Royal Wedding coming up next week, and looked at the best and the worst of the self proclaimed  Princesses that have passed through the doors of Kleinfeld.  The episode was sectioned off, showing the Picky Princess, Daddy's Little Princess, the Pageant Princess, the Blinged-Out Princess, and many more.  After spending hours of my time working on my research paper about Fairytale Weddings, I couldn't help but analyze this episode.  I was very surprised by the range in the definition of the word 'Princess.'  Some called themselves princesses because they were spoiled while others were looking for the 'Cinderella gown.'  This episode did a great job in displaying the many sides of a Princess.  Women come in to their bridal salon everyday, each with a different goal.  Fashion tastes, budgets, and opinions are just a few of the differences.  The episode clearly portrayed the conclusion I have come to; the definition of Princess varies from person to person.  Kleinfeld's success comes from their ability to cater to the needs of each 'Princess.'  Click here for more information on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress

Today Was A Fairytale

Sitting in HoCo today I received a text from my friend John saying simply, "today was a fairytale."  In the spring of Senior year Taylor Swift's "Today was a Fairytale" was released.  My friends John, Josh, and I had all of the same free blocks so would frequently make Wendy's trips.  Every time "Today was a Fairytale" came on the radio, John and I would raise the volume and sing on the top off our lungs.  From then on, it has been 'our song.'  As soon as I got home, I then had to listen to the long unheard song.  There were so many elements of not only fairy tales in general, but specifically Disney fairy tales in the lyrics of the song.  The main characters in a fairytale, a Prince and a damsel in distress, are both noted right in the first line.  Later, qualities of Disney fairy tales, magic and the well known kiss are both referenced.  Also, we have discussed in class a  lot about how reality is not as simple as a fairytale is.  But, in the song, a small encounter led to the "fairytale" feeling.  So, maybe fairy tales do exist in daily life; in the simple moments that leave us feeling happy.  Our own little 'happily ever after.'

"Today was a Fairytale" by Taylor Swift

Unrealistic Dreams

     Feminist Karen Rowe has a lot to say about the feminism in fairy tales.  She believes that, "subconsciously woman may transfer from fairy tales into real life cultural norms which exalt passivity, dependency, and self-sacrifice as a female's cardinal virtues (342)."  Although there are many valid points supporting her argument, people fail to look at the affects characters have on young boys.
      I have a five year old cousin, whom at a recent family gathering was outfitted in all things Spiderman.  He had a shirt on with the Spiderman mask, and shoes with Spiderman webs and was telling us all about his new Spiderman video games.  Is there a difference in the effect Spiderman has on my boy cousin as opposed to the supposed effect the Disney fairytale Princesses have on his three year old sister.
                                   As previously stated, Rowe thinks that young girls are subconsciously effected by the portrayal of women in fairy tales as passive and subordinate.  She believes that young girls will then grow to think that is how women should act and be treated.  I am not saying this is wrong by any means, it could definitely have a subconscious effect.  But, dreaming to be a Princess is the same as dreaming to be a Superhero.  Unless you are going to magically marry into the royal family, a woman will not become a Princess.  At the same time, there is less of a chance for a man to become a Superhero, as Superheroes are not real. 
                                                                                        So while many young girls are subconsciously being drawn into thinking women should be passive and subordinate, young boys are believing that they can be as great as the Superhero they admire.  Both of these characters give young children a false sense of how real life is.  But by the amount of criticisms towards Disney fairy tale Princesses, and the lack of criticism towards Marvel Comics and their Superheroes, does that mean it is okay to be given a false sense of reality if you are given a belief that is above your obtainable potential as opposed to far below.
       I personally believe that characters such as Princesses and Superheroes shape the person you become and do not have such an effect as Rowe and others may think.  Every situation and person a young child encounters has their own personal effect on the growth of the child.  The person a child becomes will not be effected by the viewing of fairy tales alone.


Rowe, Karen. "Feminism and Fairy Tales." 1979. Folk and Fairy Tales. 4th ed. Buffalo: Broadview, 2009. 342-58. Print.