“Jason undressed me / Lying on his sheets / He did NOT do the same…” Well, it’s crystal clear, judging by the first couple of lines of “Jason” what the intended outcome is. That said, there’s also clearly something that’s inhibiting Jason from participating. To provide some additional context, “Jason” appears on Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, the 2020 studio album by openly gay, alternative/indie-pop artist, Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas). On “Jason,” a one-night stand isn’t really the big occurrence. Rather, the song focuses on Jason’s struggles with coming to terms with his sexuality, hence, the record itself seeks to atone for fear, internalized homophobia, and such.
“Jason” has a romantic vibe about it, with Perfume Genius’ effortless falsetto, and a marvelous backdrop. Still, it’s about the awkwardness and uncomfortable, though semi- rewarding nature of the encounter with this ‘straight’ guy. “Clumsily, shakily / He ran his hands up me,” Hadreas sings on the second verse, continuing, “He was afraid / Tears dreaming down his face.” It’s truly moving because it’s clear that for Jason, this is a life changing experience of sorts. Hadreas plays a nurturing role, of which he later states, “I was proud to seem / Warm and mothering / Just for a night.” That, of course, is more important than the satisfaction of an empty, meaningless night of pleasure.
This record, of course, is by no means the first to explore how hard it is to come out or admit perhaps you’re ‘not as straight as you once thought.’ Years and Years, fronted by Olly Alexander, explored this on their 2018 album, Palo Santo. That said, Perfume Genius does a superb job capturing how someone, who hadn’t accepted who they are/ might be, felt taking such a big step, particularly as a young adult. By the end, the one-night stand is just that. Still, it’s probably more because Jason still hasn’t quite come to terms: “When we woke up / He just ask me too leave.”
You can learn more about Perfume Genius here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
