GOLD STAR (Official Visualizer)
I'm so excited that GOLD STAR is finally yours ⭐️
This song began as me reflecting on how much of my life was spent chasing validation. From grades, accomplishments, and expectations, to the feeling that I always had to earn my worth.
The more I wrote, the more it became a reflection on the systems that reward obedience, competition, and constant achievement. From childhood, we're taught to collect gold stars, follow the rules, and keep the machine moving, often without questioning who those systems ultimately serve.
The bridge touches on another reality that deserves more attention: the experience of students trying to learn on an empty stomach. "Empty stomach / Catatonic / Feed me your breadcrumbs for lunch" is a reminder that education can't truly be equal while some students' basic needs go unmet.
I wanted this visualizer to feel simple, intimate, and intentional. Just me, a camera, and an idea.
This visualizer came together through a lot of DIY creativity. I filmed it myself, edited the footage, did my own makeup, and handled the initial color grade. A huge thank you to Natalia Chernitsky, who helped me cover the wall with what felt like a million gold stars, refined the final color grade, and added the finishing touches in the edit. I'm so grateful for her eye and collaboration in helping bring this vision to life.
Thank you for watching, listening, and supporting independent art! ❤️💙
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MUSIC CREDITS
Artist: ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Written by:
Leahnie “ISALEAH ”Grau (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Jack Lindstrom (IG: @mr.jacklindstrom)
BILLIE KING (IG: @billie.king.music)
Produced by:
Jack Lindstrom (IG: @mr.jacklindstrom)
Mixed by:
Jack Lindstrom (IG: @mr.jacklindstrom)
Mastered by:
Ohad Nissim (IG: @ohadnissimmastering)
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VISUALIZER CREDITS
Concept:
ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Directed by:
ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Filmed by:
ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Edited by:
ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Color Grading:
ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Natalia Chernitsky (IG: @natjamess_)
Creative Assistance:
Natalia Chernitsky (IG: @natjamess_)
Makeup:
ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Camera:
ISALEAH (IG: @isaleahmusic)
Featured Hands:
BILLIE KING (IG: @billie.king.music)
Reggie Theus Jr. (IG: @artheusvanta)
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LYRICS:
[PRE]
Dark halls
Bright lights
I’m trapped inside
Beige walls
White lies
You taught me right
[CHORUS]
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, baby
I do what I’m told so I feel validated
It’s how they raised me
It’s how they made me
A gold star, baby
I’m a gold star, baby
[POST]
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, gold star
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold, gold
[VERSE]
I want to be a superstar
(I wanna, I wanna)
I want to be a superstar
They say you can be anything you want
Just pledge allegiance to the flag
When the bell rings
Then you know you gotta
Line up or pack your bags
[PRE]
Dark halls
Bright lights
I’m trapped inside
Beige walls
White lies
You taught me right
[CHORUS]
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, baby
I do what I’m told so I feel validated
It’s how they raised me
It’s how they made me
A gold star, baby
I’m a gold star, baby
[PRE]
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, gold star
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold, gold
[BRIDGE]
Empty stomach
Catatonic
Feed me your breadcrumbs for lunch
Push me harder
Make me smarter
Running empty I can’t keep up
Empty stomach
Catatonic
Feed me your breadcrumbs for lunch
(I’m fucking tired)
Push me harder
Make me smarter
Running empty I can’t keep up
[POST]
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, gold star
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, baby
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold, gold
[OUTRO]
Gold star, gold star
Gold star, gold star
I’m a gold star, baby