The meaning and story of Grace Jones's song "Scary But Fun" revolves around the idea of taking risks and embracing the thrill of life. The lyrics depict various instances where the persona faces challenges and falls, but instead of being deterred, they choose to get back up and try again. The song begins by referencing the first time the persona rode a bicycle and fell, resulting in scraped hands and bruises. Despite the initial fear, they realize that life is a combination of scary and fun experiences, urging the listeners to embrace these moments because they only have one life to live. The lyrics then highlight another example where the persona learned how to water-ski and had a mishap. They broke several bones but decided to get right back up and do it again. This showcases the theme of resilience and a willingness to confront fears, even if it means facing challenges repeatedly. As the song progresses, the persona observes others around them. They see someone standing on the corner, watching life pass by, while others sit in silence, feeling an emotional pain. In contrast, the persona encourages listeners to "take to your wings, butterfly," implying the importance of spreading one's wings, embracing life's adventures, and experiencing joy. Overall, "Scary But Fun" is an anthem that encourages listeners to step out of their comfort zones and not be afraid to take chances. It emphasizes the idea that life is a mix of both scary and fun moments, but it is essential to remember what it's like to be young and embrace the thrilling experiences that come with it.
