For the Gaze Lyrics – Death Becomes Her

Exploring the Meaning and Impact of "For The Gaze" by Megan Hilty and the 'Death Becomes Her' Original Broadway Cast

Song Credits:

• Featuring Artist(s): Megan Hilty
• Producer(s): Julia Mattison, Noel Carey, Scott M. Riesett, Sean Patrick Flahaven
• Composer: Julia Mattison, Noel Carey
• Writer: Julia Mattison, Noel Carey
• Release Date: November 21, 2024
• Label: Concord Theatricals Recordings
• Musical Genre: Musical Theatre, Pop
• Album: Death Becomes Her - Broadway Sneak Preview
• Language(s): English

Song Meaning

"For The Gaze" is a vibrant number from the Broadway adaptation of 'Death Becomes Her,' performed by Megan Hilty as Madeline Ashton. This song serves as an introduction to Madeline's character, showcasing her deep-seated desire for admiration and validation, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community. The title "For The Gaze" is a clever play on words, intertwining 'gaze' with 'gays,' reflecting the song's dual focus on seeking attention and celebrating queer culture. This duality acknowledges the original 1992 film's status as a camp classic cherished by LGBTQ+ audiences. ?cite?turn0search3?? Throughout the song, Madeline expresses her willingness to go to great lengths for adoration: "I'll do an outfit change, I'll do a twirl I'll do just about anything to be your girl" These lines highlight her readiness to transform herself to capture attention, underscoring themes of vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth. The song also pays homage to iconic figures beloved by the LGBTQ+ community: "I'll be your tiny dancing queen Your Judy, Gaga, Cher, Céline" By aligning herself with these legends, Madeline seeks to position herself within a lineage of performers who have been embraced by queer audiences. The ensemble's interjections further emphasize Madeline's connection to the LGBTQ+ community: "We love her 'cause she does it for the gays" This acknowledgment not only celebrates the community's support but also satirizes the entertainment industry's reliance on LGBTQ+ audiences for enduring success. In essence, "For The Gaze" is a satirical yet heartfelt tribute to the symbiotic relationship between performers and their LGBTQ+ fans, exploring themes of vanity, validation, and the timeless allure of camp.

Songs Sharing Similar Themes

1. "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga: This anthem celebrates self-acceptance and individuality, resonating with LGBTQ+ audiences. Its upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics mirror the celebratory tone of "For The Gaze." Gaga's unabashed embrace of queer culture aligns with the themes presented in Hilty's performance.
2. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor: Initially a disco hit about personal strength after a breakup, it evolved into a gay anthem symbolizing resilience and empowerment. The song's journey from mainstream to queer iconography parallels the camp transformation celebrated in "For The Gaze."
3. "Vogue" by Madonna: This track brought underground ballroom culture, predominantly comprising LGBTQ+ people of color, into the mainstream. Its celebration of self-expression and fashion as a form of art aligns with the performative aspects highlighted in "For The Gaze."

Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the wordplay in the title "For The Gaze"?

The title cleverly plays on the words 'gaze' and 'gays,' highlighting the song's exploration of seeking attention while paying tribute to the LGBTQ+ community that has embraced the 'Death Becomes Her' narrative as a camp classic.

How does "For The Gaze" reflect the themes of the original 'Death Becomes Her' film?

The song encapsulates the film's exploration of vanity, the pursuit of eternal youth, and the lengths individuals go to for admiration, all while acknowledging and celebrating the story's significance within queer culture.

Why does Madeline reference icons like Judy Garland, Lady Gaga, Cher, and Céline Dion in the song?

By mentioning these legendary performers, all beloved by the LGBTQ+ community, Madeline aligns herself with a lineage of iconic figures, emphasizing her desire for acceptance and adoration from queer audiences.

Awards and Chart Positions

As of now, "For The Gaze" from the musical *Death Becomes Her* has not been released as a standalone single; therefore, it has not appeared on mainstream music charts. However, the song has garnered critical acclaim within the theater community. Megan Hilty's performance as Madeline Ashton has been widely praised, with some critics speculating potential nominations for theater awards in the upcoming season. While specific awards for "For The Gaze" are yet to be announced, Megan Hilty has a history of recognized performances. She received nominations for Lead Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Drama League Awards for her role as Doralee Rhodes in Broadway's "9 to 5: The Musical.". Additionally, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Brooke Ashton in "Noises Off." As the musical *Death Becomes Her* continues its run, there is anticipation that "For The Gaze" and Hilty's performance may receive nominations and accolades in the future.

Fan and Media Reactions

"For The Gaze" from the musical Death Becomes Her has received widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. Many highlight its witty lyrics, dazzling choreography, and Megan Hilty's brilliant performance as Madeline Ashton. Fans particularly appreciate the clever wordplay in the title and its deep connection to LGBTQ+ culture, which adds layers of humor and cultural significance to the number. Critics have also praised the production. In a review on Visit NYC, the musical is described as "a hilariously fabulous new musical comedy about friendship, love, and burying the hatchet… over and over and over again." The song "For The Gaze" is singled out as one of the standout numbers, celebrating the queer legacy of Death Becomes Her.