Beth McCarthy - What Do You Call It? (Official Music Video)

episode 1: what do you call it?

'what do you call it?' is the first of a five part series where we see beth mccarthy - a pink haired pop artist from london, uk - navigate a night out whilst coming to terms with her identity, feelings and sexuality.

beth is releasing this music video series alongside an EP throughout 2023.

video by Chris Harris
huge thank you to the team at Clapham Grand for providing the perfect space to film this video and for being so welcoming and helpful throughout the process.

lyrics:

somewhere there’s a school desk with her name etched in the top corner of it
always said we were friends but my feelings were just a little more honest

the minute i admitted i wanted it,
was the minute i admitted i was different

but when you’re confidently complicated
so broken you’re unbreakable
over underestimating
anything that could’ve been more
optimistically jaded
a heart of glass in walls of stone
when you think you feel it but you don’t really know..
what do you call it?

can’t help overthinking every what if, is it a phase, will I get over it?
like what if things change? what if I’m fake?
what if it’s all just for the hell of it?

but i’m in it, i admit it, i wanted this
i’m in it, i admit it, i’m different, oh i'm different

but when you’re confidently complicated
so broken you’re unbreakable
over underestimating
anything that could’ve been more
optimistically jaded
a heart of glass in walls of stone
when you think you feel it but you don’t really know..
what do you call it?

maybe I’m scared to call it anything you call it
so i’m just calling to say..

hey, i’m sorry that it’s taken me so long,
don’t wanna say it wrong but if i’m being honest

i think I’m confidently complicated
so broken i’m unbreakable
i’ve over underestimated
anything that could’ve been more
optimistically jaded
a heart of glass in walls of stone
i think i feel it but i don’t really know
i wanna feel this but i don’t really know
i'm gonna feel this, i’m ready to let go
so i’m gonna call it
what i wanna call it

[YeahItsKansas]

Every time I hit the chorus after "What do you call it?" I expect to hear "It is you" and then see Beth melt over another interviewee. AKA, Tiktok brought me here.

[eth]

I call it a future classic. I love the lyrics and the lyrics are just there at the top. I love all her music.

[klindaba]

how is this song not more popular after all of those tiktoks, well they definitely brought me here and I love this song and now I have a crush on everyone with pink hair that I see

[aurelieewilan]

Wow. This... This speaks so much to me. Especially this part :

"can’t help overthinking every what if, is it a phase, will I get over it?
like what if things change? what if I’m fake?
what if it’s all just for the hell of it?

but i’m in it, i admit it, i wanted this
i’m in it, i admit it, i’m different, oh i'm different"

This is a beautiful song. I'm glad I found you thanks to your promotionnal videos asking queer people questions. (I had so many gay panic attacks watching them tbh)
I can't wait to see what's next ! I'm definitly going to listen all of your previous songs in the meantime.

[prizedpixel]

i came here from the "what do you call it, and it is you" videos and i'm in love with this song now <3

[GHRiz]

I still call it an absolute banger with something really important to say. Also, sitting crosslegged on the dressing room table in front of the mirror is such a vibe. :)

[mkn]

Beth I discovered you today and after binge listening to all of your music I realized what kind of an talented, masterpiece of an artist i was missing out on!
Not a single original song or a cover of yours is disappointing im in love I am binge listening to all of your stuff your music is lyrically beautiful and your voice is so soothing so beautiful that it connects with my heart! And i loved loved "what do you call it" it resonates with me and i am super excited for "she's pretty" and the rest of the ep to be out!

I wish I could see you perform live it would be I N C R E D I B L E but unfortunately I love on the other side of the world but hopefully one day I will see you. (I really hope you're well you're happy healthy and taking good care of yourself)

[___itsMayar]

your lyrics are brilliant and emotional you make me feel things i didn't know i could feel i've been feeling numb for like 6 years and recently i started to feel like myself again and i really enjoy your music in my new era😊 can't wait for new songs and for your songs to have millions of views you deserve it girl! and thank you❤😮

[LimaPolianna]

This song is so good! What do you call it when you've watched every single reels made to promo this song and never had the decency to listen to the entire song? haha. Well, I finally did and LOVED IT!

[matildamoonga]

I have listened to this song over a million times by now. Some days I'll have it on repeat for hours and hours. It's such a masterpiece ❤❤.
It speaks to my soul and I love that!

[hmmmmnothanks]

3:52 if you pause it here you can see “not that deep” and “first, best, hottest” written in her notebook, along with her other songs from idk how to talk to girls. how have i only just noticed this???! 😭😭

[GayKipYT]

This hit hard, I related a bit more than I would like to lmao. Your an amazing artist

[lilivass]

i've just found my favourite song. thank you Beth for making me feel valid <3

[OliviaHarte-jhki]

Stop because you deserve more recognition for this, your so talented

[nyxvanaja]

saw you on tiktok and Im just in love with this song ! lots of love and light from Brasil 💜

[rabadakku]

I've seen you on TikTok, felt great positive vibes. Now I'm listening at your songs and feeling lucky for discovering you!

[annifiaw]

TikTok brought me here "What do you call it and it is you?"

[AyushiNagaliaMusic]

And then I thought I wouldn't like an artist as much as Shura 😭😭😭😭 HOW DO YOU CALL IT THIS INSTANT FANDOM

[epionelove]

A gem, related by many but felt by few❤️

[gaah_nya]

This song will be the gay awakening for some girl in the future, now it's a perfect representation for all the saphics!💗