While everyone seems to be buzzing about “not talking about Bruno,” it’s the song “Surface Pressure” that truly encapsulates my experience as a mom in these times.
On a typical pandemic day, I found myself juggling work, single motherhood, and worrying about COVID exposure emails from my child’s school, all while dealing with the aftermath of a cat’s upset stomach. After mustering the energy to prepare dinner, I collapsed onto the couch beside my kids, who were engrossed in Disney’s latest animated feature, Encanto.
As I absentmindedly tapped my feet to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s catchy tunes, everything changed when Louisa began to sing. Her song, “Surface Pressure,” explores the challenges faced by the middle child and elder daughter who possesses incredible strength. Louisa derives joy from her abilities, but she also grapples with the constant question of how long she can hold everything together and whether anyone sees her beyond her contributions.
Her powerful lyrics struck a chord, reflecting my own feelings about parenting and the weight of responsibilities during this pandemic. She expresses:
“I don’t ask how hard the work is
Got a rough indestructible surface
Diamonds and platinum, I find ’em, I flatten ’em
I take what I’m handed, I break what’s demanding
But… Under the surface I’m pretty sure I’m worthless if I can’t be of service.”
After wiping away tears that crept down my cheeks during dinner, I couldn’t help but wonder if other mothers were resonating with Louisa’s experience. It turns out they were.
The song climbed the music charts, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the fourth most-streamed track during the last week of January. Social media was abuzz with moms discussing how Louisa’s portrayal of strength amidst overwhelming pressure mirrored their own struggles during the pandemic—balancing childcare gaps, safeguarding unvaccinated kids, managing tight budgets, and presenting a brave face through it all.
The lyrics resonate deeply:
“Pressure like a grip, grip, grip and it won’t let go, whoa
Pressure like a tick, tick, tick ’til it’s ready to blow, whoa
Give it to your sister, your sister’s stronger
See if she can hang on a little longer
Who am I if I can’t carry it all?”
Disney has a knack for creating songs that pull at our heartstrings—think of Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go” or Frozen’s “Let It Go.” However, “Surface Pressure” stands out as a rare Disney anthem that articulates the struggles of motherhood, encapsulating the feeling of wanting to support everyone while feeling drained and unsure of how much strength remains.
Women, from childhood on, are often socialized to embody Louisa’s spirit—helping others while neglecting their own needs. We’re encouraged to be selfless and to mask our struggles, leading us to believe our worth is tied to our ability to serve. This societal expectation is heavy, especially as we reflect on the immense emotional and physical labor we’ve shouldered, particularly over the past two years.
It’s heartening to consider that our children are watching this film and absorbing the message that being the strongest in the family doesn’t mean carrying everyone’s burdens alone. Plus, let’s be honest, the song is incredibly catchy!
For those looking for more insightful discussions on similar topics, check out our other post about motherhood here and learn more about sun safety here. For an excellent resource on intrauterine insemination, visit Cleveland Clinic.
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In summary, “Surface Pressure” from Encanto resonates deeply with mothers navigating the complexities of parenting during challenging times. The song encapsulates the feelings of strength, vulnerability, and the pressure to perform, reminding us that we don’t have to bear the weight of the world alone.