You’d think Elle Varner is southern because she’s got a voice like molasses: slow and syrupy.

That’s also precisely what makes the lyrics and video behind “Fuck It All” so unexpected.

But watch and you’ll see exactly where the lady’s coming from. Despite her faithfulness, she’s a woman scorned, and the song details her options after learning of her betrayal: wallow, self-sabotage, or as she very succinctly puts it, “fuck it all.”

Guess which one she picks?

What you won’t see coming though is how she executes that thought. Literally.

And honestly, I love that for her. Because when her first album released in 2012, Elle’s brand of singer/songwriter soul (and probably a record label) positioned her as the “good girl” in a sea of R&B songstresses. 2014’s “Fuck It All” carves out space to be a good girl who gets mad too. The stereotypes on both sides of the coin make it hard to be yourself as a Black woman. Defy people’s preconceived notions of what a “Black woman” is but show any emotion whatsoever along the way, ESPECIALLY with profanity, and you’ve merely “proven” them right. “Fuck It All” is Elle’s battle cry in the fight against being a good Black girl for the benefit of others.

It’s also a welcome departure from traditional female R&B content. We’ve all heard ladies pining for a man, rebounding after a man, regretting a man, but “Fuck It All” is ALL about her. She says the word “you” twice, and that’s the ONLY mention of another person in the whole song. It’s pretty amazing to listen and watch this woman claim her destiny and own her true feelings. Her perspective is refreshing, and her piercing voice will absolutely enchant you from the start. The video opens as she practices another song on piano, and it’ll make you want to lay your head on her lap. Whether or not it was intentional, it’s another moment that establishes her femininity and makes you want to care for her.

But don’t be fooled, and don’t forget. The loveliest and most delicate of creatures are full of dangerous surprises. And sometimes cuss words.

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