No Doubt - Just A Girl - Meaning of the song
This was written by Gwen Stefani after her brother Eric, No Doubt's primary songwriter up to then, left the band. She wrote it about being frustrated at her father being overprotective due to her gender, saying at the time:
"I wouldn't trade being female, for anything, but the guys don't understand what a burden it can be sometimes."
The song became a girl-power anthem, but that wasn't what Stefani had in mind when she wrote it. "I was in this all-guy band and all my friends were guys," she explained in a video. "I just had this point of view and I wanted to play on that. I thought it was really appropriate and really real to who I was."
"Just A Girl" was No Doubt's first single, ending years of hardship and turmoil as they tried to break through. The band formed in 1986 and nearly broke up when their original lead singer, John Spence, committed suicide the following year. After some lineup changes, they signed with Interscope in 1991 and released their debut album in 1992, which flopped hard. Gwen's brother Eric, who formed the band, bailed in 1994, leaving Gwen the last original member. The Tragic Kingdom took over two years to make, during which time Gwen and bass player Tony Kanal ended their seven-year relationship. When they finally had a hit, it was a huge relief. It was especially gratifying when the powerhouse Los Angeles radio station KROQ began playing the song, fulfilling the band's dream.
Stefani was often asked to explain this song by reporters wondering if she was painting a bigger picture or hiding a secret meaning.
"I hate it when I'm asked what that song is about. The lyrics are so obvious. If you don't think it's sarcastic, you've got to be like an idiot."
Just A Girl - Lyrics
Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm exposed, and it's no big surprise
Don't you think I know exactly where I stand?
This world is forcing me to hold your hand
'Cause I'm just a girl, oh, little old me
Well, don't let me out of your sight
Oh, I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights
Oh, I've had it up to here
The moment that I step outside
So many reasons for me to run and hide
I can't do the little things I hold so dear
'Cause it's all those little things that I fear
'Cause I'm just a girl, I'd rather not be
'Cause they won't let me drive late at night
Oh, I'm just a girl, guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare with their eyes
Oh, I'm just a girl, take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype
Oh, I've had it up to here
Oh, am I making myself clear?
I'm just a girl
I'm just a girl in the world
That's all that you'll let me be
Oh, I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb makes me worrisome
Oh, I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to is making me numb
Oh, I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
Oh, I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum, there's no comparison
Oh, I've had it up to
Oh, I've had it up to
Oh, I've had it up to here
Comentários