Music Video: “It’s Okay, I’m Okay” by Tate McRae
Tate McRae's title thumbnail for her new music video, "It's Okay, I'm Okay". Photo credits: Photo by Corey Waters
The Y2K chic craze of “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” and “When I Grow Up” may never get old, but one thing that has definitely run its course is the perpetual idea that men can drag women through the mud without repercussions.
Tate McRae takes on both phenomena with her new music video, “It’s Okay, I’m Okay,” which was released on Thursday, September 12. McRae watches her toxic ex move on with another girl. She was able to get out of the relationship stronger than she has ever been, and she tries to warn his new girl that his “good boy” façade is just that.
Both the song and the music video exude self-acceptance and independence as we follow McRae through the nostalgia of a 2000’s inspired pop sensation dance number.
The music video starts with McRae perceived to be sitting on a beach, but once the truck with the beach landscape plastered on its side rolls away, the setting is established as New York City. Next to her beach chair, a hat labeled “STAR CHILD” rests on her luggage. McRae has risen to fame over the last few years, with her two albums, “I Used to Think I Could Fly” and “Think Later” hitting Billboard charts, so “Star Child” fits her well. Her “I Heart Me” shirt captures the true focus of the video, which is McRae and McRae only.
The camera work in this scene replicates the chaos of the streets of New York, yet with all the chaos all eyes are on McRae as she struts down the block. The camera viewpoint of the taxi car driving by was genius; it painted the picture of everyone in her perimeter mesmerized by her.
McRae getting arrested in her new music video, "It's Okay, I'm Okay," starring Tate McRae. Photo by Corey Waters
The sneak peak of the naked woman (don’t worry Mom, she is censored) being arrested against the cop car was enticing and the shock of it being McRae was clever. It almost seemed like this was her alter ego. She is forced into the cop car where she catches the attention of the police officer as he drives. This part gives off the vibes, “her energy is too much for a guy that is going to waste it.” She escapes the police car and is greeted by her roaring fans. Her outfit change is on point with the rhinestone dangly top and the Y2K rectangle sunglasses. She leans into the 2000’s fashion trends which is not only flattering but also commendable as she is doing the theme justice.
McRae at a construction site in her new music video, "It's Okay, I'm Okay," starring Tate McRae. Photo by Corey Waters
The second pre-chorus leads to a striking dance break with McRae and her backup dancers. She appears to be in a NY sidewalk construction site, comparable to the dance break in “When I Grow Up” by the Pussycat Dolls. She yet again blows away viewers with her flawless dance skills, which allows her to stand out amongst other pop female up-and-comers. My favorite scene is the final dance number with the car lights circling McRae and her backup dancers. She explores her sexuality in this dance break, and it reminds me of a young Christina Aguilera in her music video “Dirrty” back in 2003.
McRae's final dance break in her new music video, "It's Okay, I'm Okay," starring Tate McRae. Photo by Corey Waters
She had delved into this sexy and mature persona that I’m loving. It goes well with the song. Some may see it as egging on the male gaze, but I see it as a statement of resistance. She speaks on this relatable story of a “perfect relationship” that turns out to be webbed in insincerity and deceitfulness. It hurts to be lied to, and even McRae’s title “It’s okay, I’m okay,” could be interpreted as a defense mechanism when people pry asking how she is doing.
Women are forced to hide their emotions, unless they want to be called “sensitive.” The focus is on her and her resilience, because why waste a second on a two-faced man who doesn’t see the fault in his actions? She sees herself in this new girl, stating, “you’re moving like I did before I found out,” and unfortunately, the new girl will need to learn the hard way in order to face reality. She shows that she will be okay, and I don’t see this as a heartbreak song. She isn’t hung up on him, but grateful that she isn’t stuck in that situation, singing “I don’t want him anyway, girl take him,” and “No, nothing could make me miss it, take him, he’s yours.”
Young Britney Spears, a teen pop-sensation that Tate McRae resembles. Photo credits: Photo by Sam Levi/WireImage
The 2000’s nostalgia hits different, especially for Britney Spears fans. People had already been comparing McRae to Spears for a while now due to their impressive dance ability and stage presence. I’m glad she leaned into the comparison, and I think McRae and Spears have more in common than people think. McRae’s voice has been described as an “acquired taste” or “too nasally” which has turned off some pop lovers. Spears was also criticized for this in the past. Despite the constant nitpicking from critics, Spears was adored by fans around the world, and McRae seems to be following in her footsteps.
The Pussycat Dolls performing on "The X-Factor" in November 2019. Photo credit: Photo by Dymond/Thames/Syco/Shutterstock
The Pussycat Dolls seemed to be a great influence on the music video, and looking back on their past, they have been criticized for being “too sexy”, specifically at their X-Factor performance in 2019 for their “raunchy outfits”. But according to the article from The Mirror called, “Pussycat Dolls Hit Back at 'Sexy-Shaming' Critics After Raunchy X Factor Performance,” pop group member Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts slammed the press stating, “Sometimes the power of a woman scares some people,” and “We as women need to build a space where no matter your quirkiness, your curves, or whatever you have got, you can come to us and feel accepted.” This is the attitude that Tate McRae adopted in her music video and through that she has fostered a community where girls can support each other through heartbreak and be confident.
