Olivia Rodrigo Nearly Removed “Fame-F*cker” from Her ‘Vampire’ Lyrics
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Olivia Rodrigo recently revealed that she almost deleted the “fame-f***er” line from the chorus of her newest track “Vampire.” Apparently, the rising star was told that such lyric could prevent the single from being “relatable.”
Olivia Rodrigo Reveals She Almost Cut Off “Fame-F*cker” Lyric from “Vampire”
Serving as the lead single of her sophomore album, “Vampire” is a bold and aggressive jab to a former lover. At a glance, the line “fame-f*cker” has made the song braver and more daring. Yet, according to Rodrigo during her appearance on Audacy’s The Julia Show, she was warned about the possible drawback of keeping the line in the single.
“It was actually a debate whether or not ‘fame f***er’ should be in the song,” she said. “Some people said, ‘It kind of isolates you from people, you can’t really say things like that in song, it’s not relatable’ — yada, yada, yada.”
While she didn’t hold the same sentiment, she understood where people were coming from. The pop singer nonetheless decided to keep the line, believing that its magnifies the core message of the track.
“I think the song isn’t about fame f*cking, I think it’s more about someone being manipulative and sucking you dry, using you for all your worth. I think that’s a universal theme, and I also think fame is more easily accessible now than it has ever been. It’s not just people in LA and Hollywood that have to deal with that,” she said.
In a TikTok video, Rodrigo offered “alternate clean versions” of “fame-f***er” to settle with for her radio edit. These edits were “fame-lover”, “fame-hunter”, “treehugger”, “whale blubber”, “garlic butter” and funny enough, “Mark Zucker”. The “driver’s license” hitmaker eventually rested with “dream crusher” as her top pick.
She’s Grown A Lot Amid Creation of GUTS
As she shifts to a new era with GUTS, Rodrigo maintains that the upcoming album has sisterly similarities with SOUR. Such is an intentional move, done in an attempt to be “cohesive.” However, while the resemblance is apparent, GUTS has made Rodrigo discover more of herself.
“I feel a lot more sure of myself now. I feel sure of who I am and what I want to do and what I want to say and the people I want to surround myself with…” she said. “I’m still figuring lots of stuff out and thoroughly confused about lots of other aspects of life, but I’m definitely getting clear on more things.”
Furthermore, the “good 4 u” singer explained that she consciously tried to enhance her songwriting craft amid GUTS. Recognizing SOUR was too “sad” and “emotional,” Rodrigo said that she created the latest album in a more sensible manner.
“I think I learned a little more of like, ‘This is how you polish up a song,’ or, ‘You can write a song in 30 minutes but maybe the next day you can tweak things.’ I think I really tied to focus on that this go-around,” she said.
“Vampire” has debuted on top of the Billboard Hot 100, scoring Rodrigo her third US No. 1 hit. More songs are expected from the rising star, with GUTS set for release on September 8, 2023.