GAYLE was born on July 8, 2004, in Dallas, Texas, United States. She is of Scottish descent. She started singing when she was seven and eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a musical career. After releasing several self-produced singles, she was discovered by former American Idol judge and Arthouse music publisher Kara DioGuardi and was signed to Atlantic Records.
Describing her musical style, she has said: "I write passive aggressive pop songs." Her influences include Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Adele.
dumbass
GAYLE Lyrics
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No
I do this thing where I close off
My feelings, and I take my clothes off
So I don't have to open up to my boyfriend
I told my friends that I'm fine
But really, I'm losin' my mind
They're drinkin', I'm thinkin' too much
So I avoid them
Sucking in my stomach
Side effects of fitting in
Won't cut my hair, 'cause I'm scared
God, forbid I have my own opinion
It's my fear of looking like a dumbass
Saying something that I shouldn't have
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me back
My fear of never being good enough
So I ignore what I want
It's holding me back, holding me back
But I'm over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Over that
Over, over, over, over, over
I'm overbite on my tongue
When people tell me I'm too young
To say all the things that I do in my songs
Sensing all of these side effects of fitting in
I don't know shit, let me live
God, forbid I have my own opinion
It's my fear of looking like a dumbass
Saying something that I shouldn't have
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me back
My fear of never being good enough
So I ignore what I want
It's holding me back, holding me back
But I'm over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Over that
Over, over, over, over, over
It's my fear of looking like a dumbass
Saying something that I shouldn't have
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me
It's my fear of never being good enough
So I didn't know what I want
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me
The lyrics of “Dumbass” by Gayle showcase the insecurities and fears of someone who struggles to express their feelings and opinions. The song starts with the statement, “I do this thing where I close off my feelings, and I take my clothes off, so I don't have to open up to my boyfriend,” indicating the singer’s lack of emotional connection. She pretends to be fine with her friends, but in reality, she is losing her mind. Her fear of sounding stupid or saying something she shouldn’t have keeps her from speaking her mind. The phrase “side effects of fitting in” in the second verse suggests the negative consequences of conforming to societal expectations. The singer wants to be herself but is too scared of not being accepted or validated.
The chorus repeats the words, “It’s my fear of looking like a dumbass, saying something that I shouldn’t have. It’s holding me back, holding me back, holding me back. My fear of never being good enough, so I ignore what I want. It’s holding me back, holding me back.” These lines emphasize the fact that the singer is held back by her own fears and insecurities, which prevent her from being honest with herself and those around her. However, the song ends on a positive note, as the singer becomes “over that” and no longer afraid of being herself.
Overall, “Dumbass” is a song that highlights the struggle that many people face when it comes to expressing themselves openly and honestly. It is a reminder that it is important to be true to oneself and not let fear hold one back from living life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
You ready?
Gayle is asking if the listener is ready for her song.
No
The listener responds negatively, indicating they may not be ready for the song.
I do this thing where I close off
My feelings, and I take my clothes off
So I don't have to open up to my boyfriend
I told my friends that I'm fine
But really, I'm losin' my mind
They're drinkin', I'm thinkin' too much
So I avoid them
Gayle is admitting to shutting down emotionally and becoming physically vulnerable to avoid confronting her problems with her boyfriend. She lies to her friends about how she is feeling because she does not want to share her true emotions with them.
Sucking in my stomach
Side effects of fitting in
Won't cut my hair, 'cause I'm scared
God, forbid I have my own opinion
Gayle describes how she feels pressure to conform and fit in with societal norms in order to be accepted. She is afraid to express herself and have her own thoughts and opinions.
It's my fear of looking like a dumbass
Saying something that I shouldn't have
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me back
My fear of never being good enough
So I ignore what I want
It's holding me back, holding me back
Gayle is afraid of making mistakes and being judged by others. Her fear of failure prevents her from pursuing what she truly wants in life, leading to feelings of being held back.
But I'm over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Gayle is expressing her desire to overcome her fears and move past her self-doubt. She repeats this several times to emphasize her determination.
I'm overbite on my tongue
When people tell me I'm too young
To say all the things that I do in my songs
Sensing all of these side effects of fitting in
I don't know shit, let me live
God, forbid I have my own opinion
Gayle is frustrated by the way people underestimate her because of her age. She wants to be able to express herself freely without being judged or belittled. She also reaffirms her desire to have her own opinions and live her life on her own terms.
It's my fear of looking like a dumbass
Saying something that I shouldn't have
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me back
My fear of never being good enough
So I ignore what I want
It's holding me back, holding me back
Gayle repeats her earlier sentiment that her fear of failure and rejection is preventing her from living life to the fullest.
But I'm over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Over that
Over, over, over, over, over
Gayle emphasizes once again that she is determined to overcome her fears and live life on her own terms.
It's my fear of looking like a dumbass
Saying something that I shouldn't have
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me
It's my fear of never being good enough
So I didn't know what I want
It's holding me back, holding me back, holding me
Gayle reprises her earlier lyrics to convey that her fears are still holding her back, but she recognizes their impact and is determined to move past them.
Writer(s): Jesse Thomas, Grant Averill, Taylor Gayle Rutherfurd
Contributed by Alyssa V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.