It would not be unreasonable to read the title of Sarah Manzo’s latest music video and anticipate a tribute to apathy and rebellion. Never one to conform to others’ expectations, the pop/R&B/jazz singer-songwriter has delivered a video for “f it (I don’t care)” that’ll be sure to surprise you at each and every turn. 

The video opens on a dolled-up Manzo standing beside a table of wine, roses and chocolate. We hear the introductory lyrics, “I struggle to speak my mind — the right words are hard to find.” One “f it” later, it becomes clear that Manzo was singing about her past self. From here on out, she projects an air of unrivaled confidence. As she strikes a pose in a leather jacket, Manzo proclaims, “self-love set me free, I was lost, now I’m at peace.” This is a song that is much more about being carefree than about being careless.

“The title represents the overall meaning of the track, which is choosing to not care about what others think of what you do and to love yourself first! My exclamation of ‘f it’ is my outward celebration of finally doing my own thing,” Manzo elaborated.

The New Jersey-native makes ample use of her wardrobe to express the duality of her persona as an artist. The contrast between the orange dress she rocks in the opening scene and the ripped jeans and leopard print crop top she dons in more playful shots really illustrates her self-proclaimed “grungy yet very kind-hearted” style. Manzo finds the perfect happy medium with her out-on-the-town leather jacket ensemble at the end of the video. 

The various sets used may also shed some light on the inner-workings of Manzo’s artistic vision. The sequences in which she is seen dancing through a sea of balloons were likely inspired by Ariana Grande’s music video for her 2013 hit “The Way.” Given their similarly belty styles, it may not come as a surprise that Manzo cites the pop idol as a source of inspiration.

Nevertheless, Manzo sets herself apart through her distinctive blending of genres and her dedication to the cause of self-empowerment. The “f it” video concludes with Manzo strutting through downtown Nashville, her soon-to-be home. If this release is any indication, there should be great things in store for her and her fans once her move is complete!