Save Me A Seat Sis: The healing perspectives for Black Women in Solange’s A Seat at the Table
KáLyn T. Coghill, M.A. and Odunayo “Odie” Oluwole, M.A.
Email for references: kalyncoghill@gmail.com or oluwole.odie@gmail.com
Abstract
Save Me a Seat, Sis: The healing perspectives for Black Women in Solange’s A Seat at the Table is a discussion of black feminine voices on mental health, race, gender, self-actualization and healing in Solange’s album“A Seat at the Table.” In the poster presentation, we will discuss the stages of combating “imposter syndrome” and self-actualization as a Black woman in America. Through contextual analysis and aural analysis we will dissect three songs from the album; Weary, Rise and Ode to Self-Care to explain the process in which self-actualization occurs through Solange’s album. Imposter syndrome and mental health disorders do not come with an “off switch” and through Solange’s work we will explain how it can contribute to the well-being emotionally and mentally of Black women.
Contextual and Aural Analysis
In the song “Rise” Solange uses poetic repitition with the words “Fall-Fall-Fall-Walk” which acts as a form of meditation or affirmation. The message of this song suggests that accepting life’s complexities no matter how severe, is pivotal to coming to terms with the process of identifying, accepting, and letting go of day – to – day emotions. When Solange says “Wake up and rise” at the end of each verse it acts as confirmation that the healing process is not linear but cyclical. As the song progresses the crescendo implicates that the softness in the beginning of the song prepares the listener for the grand ending and command to rise at the end of the song.
“Weary” is the second song on the album. The song’s message speaks to Imposter Syndrome that stems from the idea that Black Women are not worthy of repsect. Therefore they are stuck trying to “chase the world” as Solange prophetically states in the song. The beat in the beginning of the song metaphorically acts as the footsteps throughout the song as the woman is looking for her place in the world through means of her body, achievements, and accolades. Solange says repeatedly “ Do you belong?” as in to question the woman who is unsure of her place in a society that deems her as unworthy. The title “Weary” embodies the feeling of hopelessness that Black women feel when they are doubting themselves. Solange encourages those women through the words “A king is just a man with flesh and bones – he bleeds just like you do”, as a reminder that we belong here.
In one of the last songs “Borderline (An Ode to Self- Care)” Solange encourages the concept and action of taking a break when the horrors of the world become too much. This prevents spiraling and promotes the idea of self-care which has been coined as a phrase that encourages self-preservation. The upbeat tempo of the song indicates a break in the heaviness of the album. Thinking about boundaries in relation to the word borderline she is saying that she is aware of both the internal and external dangers plaguing her existence as she tries to be the competence type of “The Superwoman”. Solange urges us to let go of expectations of who we should be and take an intermission to reach self-actualization. In order to heal this time around we have to “know when it’s time to let go”. Solange states “ I’ve been more than a woman, so let’s take an intermission” at the end to indicate that she has taken on too much and needs to reset and refocus in order to move forward.
Key Terms
Imposter Syndrome: The idea that your achievements are fraudulent and that you are inadequate although evidence indicates otherwise.
Competence Types: 5 subgroups that embody Imposter Syndrome qualities. The groups are as follows: The Perfectionist, The Superwoman/man, The Natural Genius, The Rugged Individualist, and The Expert.
Self- Preservation: Taking time to protect ones energy, body, and mind .
Self- Care: The actions taken to preserve oneself.
Next Steps