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`When I Grow Up` (CD single) (by The Pussycat Dolls, R&B/Pop)

common sense media says

Dream of getting rich is superficial.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a song that's all about dreaming big. The Pussycat Dolls aspirations include driving nice cars, having groupies, and getting their face on TV and in magazines. The song promotes the old cliché that with little or no work, someone can rise to the top and enjoy superficial success. Parents should note that the video for this song is a bit risqué, with lots of flesh flashed about in the Dolls' trademark seductive dance sequences.

Positive messages: The song's aspirations are all about becoming famous, rich, and desirable. "When I grow up I wanna see the world/drive nice cars/I wanna have groupies."
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: As with everything the Pussycat Dolls do, the video for the song is sexually charged, with the girls in barely-there costumes performing lots of grinding stripper dance moves. The song promotes the connection between being sexy and desirable and being successful.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The song promotes the media culture of fame and consumerism. "When I grow up/be on TV/people know me/be in magazines."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on `When I Grow Up` (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what it means to be successful and what it means to be famous. What is the difference? Because someone is famous, does it automatically make them a success? Do famous people seem happier than average people? If you had to choose, would you rather be rich, famous, or successful?

What's the story?

What's the story?
"WHEN I GROW UP" is the first single off the Pussycat Dolls' sophomore album To Those Who Wait, due out in August. It details the dreams of the Dolls to be rich and famous (and don't forget sexy). The video for the song features the members of the group dancing around subway poles and on a ballet barre and straddling chairs -- usually while dressed in some form of lingerie.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This first single off the Pussycat Dolls' new album finds the Dolls three years older but none the wiser. The song struggles right off with tense problems as the signers go back and forth between the present and past. Are the girls older and speaking about the past or are they pretending to be young? ("When I grow up/I wanna be famous/I wanna be a star/I wanna be in movies"). The only problem is the Pussycat Dolls have grown up, but they can't seem to break free of their immature desires.

The song unapologetically embraces the cult of fame that has become so pervasive in today's culture: "But I ain't complaining/we all wanna be famous/so go ahead and say what you wanna say/you know what it's like to be nameless/want them to know what your name is." Just remember, the song seems to say, it's not what you do or how well you do it, it's whether you get paid handsomely for it and become famous. Good advice if your goal is to dance around in your underwear for millions of people.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: May 27, 2008
Label: Interscope Records
Genre: R&B/Pop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Review `When I Grow Up` (CD single)

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Most useful reviews by all members

linbetween
adult
 
Nice track but not for kids
I liked the song, I thought it was very dancey and really good beat. But the song is not for kids
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hazeleyes97
teen, 14 years old
12
 
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shmulik98
teen, 13 years old
10
 
I LUV THIS SONG!!
OK, 15 and up??? R U KIDDING ME??????? THEY PERFORMED THIS AT THE KIDS CHOICE AWARDS!!!! COME ON PARENTS!! They say s**y twice but you can barely hear it kinda. And all they say is they wanna be famous. Woop de doo. And they sing "be careful what cha wish for cuz ya just might get it" So it's kinda a lesson too!!! I saw like 5 seconds of the video and that might rlly be 15 and up, but the song? I would say 10 and up.
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shelshelann
teen, 16 years old
13
 
I like this song
Hey I like PDC.
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PambaMaster
teen, 17 years old
 
Not the Usual Pussycats.
O.k. the song is about how you might dream about fortune and fame, but when you get it you might not like it. That's why they say "Be careful what you wish for cuz you just might get it yah you just might get it!" So it's actually positive because it's the whole fame and fortune isn't that great story. My only complaint is that it sounds like they're saying boobies instead of groupies. You might think I'm being immature, but listen to the song. That line could potentially bring up some awkward moments. Overall though, this is a great song!
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JJLee
kid, 13 years old
 
ummm
I loved it. It was just the singer telling what she wanted to be when she grew up and now shes got it.
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angelgirl24676
teen, 16 years old
 
LOVE this song!
This song is great. I deffinatly feel like I can relate to the song. I love PCD, and I think this song is a great sneek peek to their up-coming album.
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PrettyGirl08
kid, 10 years old
15
 
I LOV THIS SONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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gospurs57
adult
 
The stupidest song ever made
This song is, literally, garbage. They can't sing well in this song, not even Nicole, and everything about this song is stupid. Common sense: anyone 12 and up can handle the song alone, not 15 and up. 15 and up might be the recommended age for the video. Skip this song; other songs by the Pussycat Dolls are much better, but still stupid.
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