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

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Eric Clapton

Eric ClaptonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really write "Cocaine" while on cocaine? This question and more in the Clapton edition of Fact or Fiction.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.