A controversial song released by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, which mocks progressive politics, has surged to the number one spot on the iTunes charts. The divisive track, performed by former Neighbours star Holly Valance, was launched on Australia Day to promote Hanson's new film, A Super Progressive Movie.
Satirical Cover Sparks Debate
Kiss Kiss (XX) My Arse is a satirical cover of Valance's 2002 hit song Kiss Kiss. Hanson, 72, announced the release on Monday, stating it was timed to celebrate both the film's launch and Australia Day. She shared that Valance watched the film and found it hilariously effective, reportedly spitting water across the room during a particular scene.
Lyrics Target Gender Pronouns
The song includes provocative lyrics such as "you will respect my pronouns" and "not all ladies have ovaries, some have a penis". It continues with lines like "They say that I’m a he but I’m a she, cos I gotta V and not a D" and "And I don’t care what people say, I’ll never be a him, or them or they", clearly aiming to satirise progressive views on gender identity.
Rapid Rise to Chart Success
Hanson boasted that the song reached number two on the iTunes best-selling song charts "in less than a few hours" after its Monday release and has since climbed to number one. She suggested that if enough copies are sold, radio stations across the country, including Triple J, would be forced to play it, quipping that the ABC might "have a heart attack" at the prospect.
Unlikely Radio Airplay
Despite Hanson's claims, it is highly unlikely the song will receive airtime on Triple J due to the ABC's strict broadcasting standards. This adds another layer of controversy to the release, highlighting the ongoing tensions between political satire and media regulations.
Hanson's Film Premiere
The song promotes Hanson's cartoon film, A Super Progressive Movie, which is set to premiere this week for one night only in each state. According to the synopsis, the film follows "four progressives who journey beyond the insulated 'Naarm Bubble' into a real world led by prime minister Pauline Hanson" after their "rainbow malfunctions".
History with Music and Satire
Hanson is no stranger to the intersection of politics and popular music. In 1998, she inspired the satirical song I Don’t Like It by Pauline Pantsdown, which sampled her voice from interviews. This latest release continues her trend of using music as a tool for political commentary, albeit from a different perspective.
The rapid chart success of Hanson's song underscores its polarising nature, reflecting broader societal debates in Australia. As the film launches, it remains to be seen how this satirical project will impact public discourse and Hanson's political narrative.
