Melanie Martinez – Carousel
Melanie Martinez – Carousel (2014)
Directed by: Adam Donald
Carousel is a haunting single by American singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez, released on May 19, 2014, as part of her debut EP, *Dollhouse*, and later featured on her debut studio album, *Cry Baby* (2015). Co-written and produced by Martinez alongside the duo Kinetics & One Love, the song delves into themes of unrequited love and emotional entrapment, using the metaphor of a carousel ride to depict a cyclical, unattainable relationship. The accompanying music video, directed by Adam Donald, premiered on October 15, 2014, and was filmed at a deserted carnival in Long Island, New York, Martinez’s hometown. The visual narrative complements the song’s eerie tone, portraying Martinez as a doll-like figure trapped in a nightmarish amusement park, symbolizing the endless loop of longing and despair. “Carousel” gained significant attention after being featured in the trailer for the fourth season of FX’s *American Horror Story: Freak Show*, aligning with the show’s carnival theme and enhancing the song’s popularity. The track achieved commercial success, peaking at number 9 on Billboard’s Alternative Digital Songs chart and number 38 on the Pop Digital Songs chart, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA for selling over one million units in the United States.
