| "Outside" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Mariah Carey | |
| from the album Butterfly | |
| Recorded | 1997 |
| Studio | Crave (New York)
|
| Genre | |
| Length | 4:46 |
| Label | Columbia |
| Composer(s) |
|
| Lyricist(s) | Mariah Carey |
| Producer(s) |
|
"Outside" is a song recorded by American singer Mariah Carey for her sixth studio album, Butterfly (1997). She composed the music and produced the song with Walter Afanasieff. Situated within pop and soul music genres, the ballad's composition features drums, guitars, synthesizers, piano, and programming. Its lyrics, written by Carey, are about feeling a lack of belonging in the world due to one's race. They were inspired by traumatic events she experienced in her childhood as a biracial girl.
Music critics gave the song's lyrics positive reviews and interpreted their meaning in various ways. Some felt "Outside" did not fit in with the album's theme and others considered it one of the better tracks. The song has since received critical analysis regarding its impact on Carey's public image.