Meaning of "22 (Vingt deux)" by Lily Allen

The lyrics of "22 (Vingt deux)" delve into the societal expectations and pressures that women face as they approach their thirties. The song focuses on the protagonist of the story who, at 22 years old, had a promising future ahead of her. However, as time passed, she finds herself at nearly 30 and participating in a lifestyle of constant partying and hookups.

The opening lines of the song reveal the stark contrast between the bright future the protagonist envisioned at 22 and the reality of her life at nearly 30. The repetition of the line "she's out every night" emphasizes her reliance on external sources of validation, namely partying and seeking temporary connections with men. This behavior reflects her search for meaning and fulfillment, which she believes can only be achieved through a romantic relationship, as indicated by the line "all she wants is a boyfriend."

Society's influence on the protagonist's perception of her life becomes evident in the chorus. The lyrics emphasize the underlying message that society deems a woman's life to be "already over" by the time they reach their late twenties. The notion that there is "nothing to do and there's nothing to say" implies that the protagonist's value and purpose are diminished in the eyes of society.

The mention of an "alright job" that brings the protagonist to tears further emphasizes her dissatisfaction with her current situation. This suggests that she aspires for a more fulfilling career, but feels trapped and unfulfilled. The lyrics convey her frustration at society's expectation that she should be content with a mediocre job rather than pursuing her passions and reaching her full potential.

The song continues to highlight the protagonist's yearning for a meaningful romantic relationship. The line "she gets one night stands" reveals her confusion and disappointment in her failed attempts at finding love. Society's pressure to wait for the "man of her dreams" who will "pick her up and put her over his shoulder" suggests that she is deemed incomplete or inadequate without a partner.

Overall, "22 (Vingt deux)" exposes the societal pressure placed on women as they enter their late twenties. The lyrics touch upon themes of societal judgement, the struggle for career fulfillment, and the desire for a meaningful romantic relationship. Lily Allen's poignant portrayal sheds light on the frustration, confusion, and emotional turmoil experienced by women navigating through societal expectations.