1950

Album: Make My Bed (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Mikaela Straus is a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, New York, who performs under the name of King Princess. This is her debut single.
  • The song is a tribute to the 1952 novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, which draws parallels between hidden desire and lesbian love, Straus, who identifies as gender queer, was in her University of Southern California dorm room when she wrote the song's opening line: "I hate it when dudes try to chase me."

    "That was the first time when I was like, 'Woo! I did the thing,'" she told Billboard.
  • "1950" serves as a story of unrequited queer love. Unlike The Price of Salt, it doesn't have a happy ending. "I didn't get the bitch in the end," Straus said.
  • The song reached a wider audience when a month after its release, Harry Styles tweeted its opening lines. The One Direction star's endorsement helped "1950" reach an international audience. It was especially successful in Australia where it was certified gold.
  • King Princess performed the song during her Saturday Night Live debut on November 23, 2019.

Comments: 2

  • Kingsmywife from UsIt's pretty obvious King Princess has reached the level of fame she deserves, in terms of her popularity w the LGBTQ+ community. Hats off to her and the wonderful music hopefully she continues to make <33
  • Andy from Berkley, Ma some good stuff here from King Princess herself:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-vaLQ5wDIg
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.