"Revival" Is Selena's Title Song For A Reason

I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm a huge fan of Selena Gomez's Revival album. It's the kind of album that makes me wish that I had been a huge fan of her from the beginning, because I can't imagine how proud they must be of their role model right now. I mean, I can imagine a little of it, because I'm proud of Gomez, and I've had this album on repeat for over an hour. Gomez said that this is her time, and that she deserves this, but, quite honestly, her fans deserve this as well, because it's literally vindication for them. This the album they can point to and shove in the face of anyone who has ever said that Gomez is not a great artist. And that magic begins with the "Revival" song lyrics, because the title track is one of the best songs on the album, and perfectly sums up the themes that represent Gomez's album, and her entire stance on life.

"I dive into the future, but I'm blinded by the sun. I'm reborn in every moment, so who knows what I'll become," the song begins, a monologue that seems to not have been taken from any pre-existing poem or quote but to be uniquely written by the song. Is it a quote from Gomez's journal perhaps? Is it from the same place that Gomez took her opening monologue in "The Heart Wants What It Wants" music video? The world may never know. Either way, the song immediately goes from that into the powerful, steady beat and music, and then the lyrics begin.

I feel like I've awakened latelyThe chains around me are finally breakingI've been on to self-restorationI'm becoming my own salvation

Recently, Gomez was brave enough to share in her own words that she has struggled with her lupus diagnosis, has been undergoing chemotherapy, and has had to deal with a lot of negativity that had a regressive effect on her recovery and mental state during those hard times. She also opened up about how she is in a more positive headspace now, and how she feels more confident, and how this album is a perfect representation of that. Well, all of that is pretty well summarized in the opening verses of "Revival," which basically declare to the world that Gomez dragged herself out of her dark places and came out stronger for it.

Showing up, no more hidingThe light inside me is bursting, shiningIt's my time to butterfly

What I've learned is so vitalMore than just survivalThis is my revivalThis is a revival

The bridge and chorus reenforce what we learned from the opening verse, but it's the chorus that strikes me as the most important. "This is my revival, this is a revival," has so many different meanings to it, and it's also so true. Not only is this a revival — Gomez is back on the musical scene, she's taking control of her career — but it's also a personal revival — she's taking control of her life and her narrative. Gomez is back in control, and it feels good, and it looks good on her as well. She's happy. She's a butterfly.

I walked through the fireI'll begin againI'll burn through my skinBecause I want to feel itReaching for the truthNot afraid to loseWhat shot out at me like a rifleWas a revival

She walked through fire. Do I even need to explain this one? I mean, the sheer amount of vicious gossip and unwarranted hate that has been flung her way due to things like her brave decision to voluntarily check into rehab in early 2014 to her on-off relationship with Justin Bieber is unreal. But she walked through it, she's starting over, and all of those experiences have only made her stronger. I'd love to see the fire try and burn her now.

I'll admit it's been painfulBut I'll be honest I'm gratefulIt's my time to realize

What I've learned is so vitalMore than just survivalThis is my revivalThis is a revival

Yeah, exactly. This was a perfect song for Gomez to choose to name her album after, and to be the first song that people hear when they either stream or purchase the album. This is her revival. This is her time. She's back, and she's better and stronger than ever before. And every person, fan or anti-fan, can learn a lesson from her journey and use this song as their empowering inspiration. That's kind of the whole point.