Julia Calvin, a Costa Rican/American singer-songwriter now based in Los Angeles, delivers a compelling narrative wrapped in an irresistible melody with her latest single, Paulette Bonafonté. As raw as it is catchy, Calvin’s track is a potent antidote to the often toxic “I can fix him” mentality, pushing forth a powerful message of self-growth and independence.
The famous character from the Legally Blonde movie who leaves her abusive boyfriend and takes their dog with her served as inspiration for the song. Calvin channels that same energy and attitude about leaving a toxic relationship and choosing herself over someone who doesn’t appreciate her.
Paulette Bonafonté is a clear departure from the concept of the saviour complex, an issue many can relate to. The track, co-written with Bennytheghost in a bedroom-turned-recording studio, explores the painful realisation that sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, you cannot save them. Calvin says the song reflects her experience of overcoming the “I can fix him” syndrome and realising that some people are not worth the effort.
Calvin seamlessly weaves this complex sentiment into her lyrics, delivering an anthem for those caught in the cycle of trying to fix someone else.
The song has a catchy pop-rock vibe, a combination of a driving guitar riff and a punchy drum beat. Her vocals are expressive and confident, and she delivers clever lyrics with sass and humour.
Calvin’s poignant introspection starts right from the first verse: “We’d be a dream team, baby, if you’d figure yourself out. Always been a fixer. But lately you’re dragging me down.” The words illustrate the struggle of trying to uphold a relationship while also managing the burden of being a constant source of support. The chorus, inspired by a famous line from the movie Legally Blonde, is both an affirmation of self-preservation and a declaration of departure: “Can’t be a victim/ To suicide missions/ I’m taking the dog, babe/ Paulette Bonafonté” with a defiant tone.
In the second verse, Calvin continues to deconstruct the fixer archetype with sharp, clever lyrics: “My ex’s dad said, ‘Thanks for making Johnny his best.” But if I wanted the job, I’d be a therapist. Don’t remember getting paid for this.” This is a subtle reference to the movie, echoing Elle Woods’ famous quote, “You’re breaking up with me because I’m too… blonde?”. The humour is biting but also revealing. Calvin emphasises that emotional labour is often unpaid and unappreciated, thereby advocating for personal boundaries in relationships.
Paulette Bonafonté is a fun and empowering song that celebrates self-love and independence. It’s also a tribute to one of the most beloved characters in pop culture history, who showed us that we don’t need anyone to make us happy. As Calvin says, “Paulette Bonafonté is a badass, and I aspire to be like her.” We couldn’t agree more.
Julia Calvin’s Paulette Bonafonté Lyrics
Verse 1
We′d be a dream team baby
If you’d figure yourself out
Always been a fixer
But lately you′re dragging me down
Growth is hard to go through on your own
Some things you just gotta do alone
Chorus
Can’t be a victim To suicide missions
I’m taking the dog, babe
Paulette Bonafonté
Verse 2
My ex′s dad said ′Thanks for making Johnny his best’
But if I wanted the job
I′d be a therapist
Don’t remember getting paid for this
(Shit, I′d be rich)
(Shit, I’d be rich)
Always happens at my own expense (I′m over it)
Chorus
Can’t be a victim To suicide missions
I’m taking the dog, babe
Paulette Bonafonté
Can′t be a victim To suicide missions
I′m taking the dog, babe
Paulette Bonafonté
Can’t be a victim To suicide missions
I′m taking the dog, babe
Paulette Bonafonté
