Meaning of "Mirage" by Sabrina Carpenter

The song "Mirage" by Sabrina Carpenter delves into the artificiality and illusions of Hollywood, questioning the authenticity and worth of the glamorous lifestyle it portrays. Carpenter brings attention to the pressure and expectations placed on individuals within the industry, emphasizing how appearance and the ability to pay for high-end fashion brands define one's worth. Through the lyrics, "They said you can't wear Giamba, baby you gotta pay," Carpenter highlights the rigid standards and exclusivity that create a divide between the "haves" and "have-nots." She confronts this issue directly, asserting that there is a problem, a problem with the way society values material possessions and wealth.

Carpenter then mentions a party at midnight at the top of the hill, where everyone must be a "someone." This represents the constant need for validation and recognition within the industry. Carpenter suggests that the people attending this party are merely playing a role, with every face being a hologram. This notion carries the idea that people are not showing their true selves, but rather projecting an image predetermined by societal expectations. The dreamlike nature of this scenario further emphasizes the illusory nature of the Hollywood lifestyle. Carpenter sings, "We're all caught in a dream," highlighting the concept of being trapped in a false reality.

The chorus repeats the question, "Is it just a mirage?" Carpenter is challenging the authenticity of the world she is surrounded by, questioning if what they have is real or just a facade. She questions the significance of celebrities, calling them "Hollywood gods," and suggests that their achievements and possessions may not hold true value. Carpenter's skepticism extends to the collective narrative of the industry, as she sings, "And every face is a hologram, it's all part of the scene." This line implies that everyone is part of a grand production, acting their roles and conforming to a larger, artificial agenda.

In the bridge, Carpenter highlights the superficiality of emotions within this world, emphasizing the need to hide true feelings. She sings, "And we just go through the motions, yeah, we lock 'em inside, don't show any emotion." This further supports the idea that authenticity is discouraged and masks are worn to maintain the illusion. The ending of the song leaves the question open-ended, allowing listeners to decide for themselves whether the lavish lifestyles in Hollywood are real or simply a mirage.