The Disney movie Encanto has captivated audiences worldwide, and one song in particular, “Surface Pressure,” sung by the character Luisa Madrigal, has resonated deeply. As a content creator for payoffsong.com, I’ve been thinking about why this Encanto song is so impactful, especially in its portrayal of mental health. Like many, my friend Lydia Gibson also connected with Luisa’s experiences, and her insights offer a powerful perspective on the pressures of being perceived as “strong.”
It’s commendable that Disney has crafted a strong female character like Luisa, but “Surface Pressure” goes beyond mere strength. It delves into the immense burden of expectations and the hidden vulnerabilities that can lie beneath a tough exterior. Strength isn’t just physical; it encompasses emotional and mental resilience too, and Luisa’s song brilliantly captures the complexities of this.
Growing up, many of us have felt the unspoken expectation to be the “strong one,” much like Luisa or Lydia described her own experience as the eldest child. This role often comes with the pressure to handle everything, to be the rock for everyone else. Outwardly, it might seem manageable, but as “Surface Pressure” reveals, this constant demand takes a significant toll. The song beautifully articulates the hidden turmoil beneath a composed surface, a struggle many adults grapple with in silence.
Let’s delve into the lyrics of “Surface Pressure” to understand why this Encanto song hits so close to home for so many:
I’m the strong one, I’m not nervous
I’m as tough as the crust of the earth is
I move mountains, I move churches
And I glow, ‘cause I know what my worth is
I don’t ask how hard the work is
Got a rough, indestructible surface
Diamonds and platinum, I find ‘em, I flatten ‘em
I take what I’m handed, I break what’s demanded, but…
These opening lines establish Luisa’s self-perception and the image she projects. She is “the strong one,” unwavering and capable. She equates her strength to the earth’s crust – solid, unyielding. The metaphors of moving mountains and churches emphasize her perceived limitless capacity. This initial bravado masks a deeper struggle, a performance of strength that becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. It mirrors the feeling of needing to project competence and control, even when internally overwhelmed.
Under the surface
I feel berserk as a tightrope walker in a three-ring circus
Under the surface
Was Hercules ever like, “Yo, I don’t wanna fight Cerberus”?
Under the surface
I’m pretty sure I’m worthless if I can’t be of service…
This is where the song’s emotional core is revealed. The repetition of “Under the surface” highlights the hidden anxiety and chaos Luisa experiences. The “tightrope walker in a three-ring circus” analogy vividly portrays the feeling of being constantly on edge, juggling multiple demands, and fearing a misstep. The Hercules reference adds another layer, questioning even mythical heroes’ invincibility. The most poignant line, “I’m pretty sure I’m worthless if I can’t be of service,” exposes a dangerous belief: self-worth tied to productivity and meeting others’ needs. This resonates with many who feel their value is contingent on their ability to handle everything and be strong for others.
A flaw or a crack, the straw in the stack
That breaks the camel’s back
What breaks the camel’s back? It’s
Pressure like a drip, drip, drip, that’ll never stop, whoa-oh
Pressure that’ll tip, tip, tip ’til you just go pop, whoa-oh-oh-oh
Give it to your sister, your sister’s older
Give her all the heavy things we can’t shoulder
Who am I if I can’t run with the ball?
If I fall too
Pressure like a grip, grip, grip, and it won’t let go, whoa-oh
Pressure like a tick, tick, tick ’til it’s ready to blow, whoa-oh-oh-oh
Give it to your sister, your sister’s stronger
See if she can hang on a little longer
Who am I if I can’t carry it all?
If I falter…
This section powerfully illustrates the cumulative effect of pressure. The “drip, drip, drip” and “tick, tick, tick” metaphors depict the relentless, insidious nature of stress that builds up until breaking point. The lyrics “Give it to your sister, your sister’s stronger” highlight how easily burdens are shifted onto the perceived “strong one,” often without consideration for their limits. Luisa’s questioning of her identity – “Who am I if I can’t carry it all?” – is a crucial moment of vulnerability. It reveals the fear of losing oneself if the role of “strong one” is relinquished.
Under the surface
I hide my nerves and it worsens; I worry somethin’ is gonna hurt us
Under the surface
The ship doesn’t swerve, has it heard how big the iceberg is?
Under the surface
I think about my purpose, can I somehow preserve this?
Line up the dominoes, a light wind blows
You try to stop it topplin’, but on and on it goes…
The anxiety escalates here. Hiding her nerves only exacerbates them, creating a cycle of suppression and worry. The “iceberg” metaphor is particularly potent, suggesting a looming disaster that others may be oblivious to. Luisa’s questioning of her purpose and the fear of things “topplin'” reflects the fragility of her carefully constructed facade of strength. It’s a poignant depiction of how internal pressure can lead to a sense of impending collapse.
But wait, if I could shake, the crushing weight
Of expectations, would that free some room up for joy
Or relaxation, or simple pleasure?…
This marks a turning point, a glimmer of hope and self-awareness. Luisa begins to contemplate the possibility of shedding the “crushing weight of expectations.” She yearns for “joy,” “relaxation,” and “simple pleasure”—basic human needs often sacrificed under the pressure to be constantly strong and productive. This reflects the crucial realization that prioritizing well-being is not weakness, but a necessity.
Instead, we measure this growing pressure (pressure)
Keeps growing (pressure), keep going (pressure), ’cause all we know is
Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that’ll never stop, whoa-oh
Pressure that’ll tip, tip, tip ’til you just go pop, whoa-oh-oh-oh…
The cycle of pressure is acknowledged, highlighting how ingrained this pattern can become. It’s a reminder that breaking free from these expectations is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.
Give it to your sister, it doesn’t hurt and
See if she can handle every family burden
Watch as she buckles and bends but never breaks
No mistakes, just
Pressure like a grip, grip, grip, and it won’t let go, whoa-oh
Pressure like a tick, tick, tick ’til it’s ready to blow, whoa-oh-oh-oh
Give it to your sister and never wonder
If the same pressure would’ve pulled you under
Who am I if I don’t have what it takes?
No cracks, no breaks
No mistakes!
No pressure!
The song concludes by reiterating the damaging cycle of placing excessive burdens on the “strong one.” It emphasizes the unrealistic expectation of being unbreakable, “no cracks, no breaks, no mistakes.” The final lines, “No pressure!” can be interpreted as both a desperate plea and a hopeful affirmation – a desire to break free from the relentless pressure.
“Surface Pressure,” this incredible Encanto song, is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a powerful commentary on mental health and the pressures of societal and familial expectations. It speaks to the importance of recognizing our limits, acknowledging our vulnerabilities, and understanding that true strength lies not in being unbreakable, but in seeking balance and prioritizing our well-being. Like Lydia, many find solace and recognition in Luisa’s journey. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to not be the “strong one” all the time, and that seeking help and setting boundaries are signs of strength, not weakness. Encanto and “Surface Pressure” offer a valuable starting point for conversations about mental health, especially within families and communities.
