Although much of DiFranco's material is autobiographical, it is often also strongly political. Many of her songs are concerned with contemporary social issues such as racism, sexism, sexual abuse, homophobia, reproductive rights, poverty, and war. DiFranco's guitar playing is often characterized by a signature staccato style, rapid finger picking and many alternate tunings. She delivers many of her lines in a speaking style notable for its rhythmic variation. Her lyrics, which often include alliteration, metaphor, word play and a more-or-less gentle irony, have also received praise for their sophistication. She has released 19 solo albums (not including collaborative albums or live albums), all of which were released on her own independent record label, Righteous Babe Records (which she formed in 1989 at the age of 19).
DiFranco has been a critical success for much of her career, though not a commercial one by major label standards, with a career album average of 72 on Metacritic. Living in Clip, DiFranco's 1998 double live album, is the only one to achieve gold record status to date. DiFranco has been praised by the Buffalo News as the "Buffalo's leading lady of rock music".
O.K
Ani DiFranco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i'll say
yes please
to you today
so don't ask me
'cause i'm weak that way
just don't ask me
o.k.
i'm so glad we got that
straightened away
if you see me
walk by
you better just let me
walk by
you better not
bat your pretty eyes
you better not
stop me to say hi
i got a sweet tooth today
so you better not cut that pie
if you ask me
i'll say
yes please
to you today
so don't ask me
'cause i'm weak that way
just don't ask me
o.k.
The lyrics of Ani DiFranco's song "O.K." are about setting boundaries and being firm in saying no to people. In the first verse, she admits that she is weak when it comes to saying no, and that she will say yes to someone even if she doesn't want to. She asks them not to ask her because she knows she will give in. The chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing the need for boundaries in relationships.
The second verse is more assertive, with Ani telling someone not to bother her as she walks by. She won't be swayed by looks or pleasantries, as she is in control of her own choices. The last line of the verse is a metaphor for her desire for something sweet, and she won't be denied what she wants.
Overall, the song is about the importance of knowing one's own limits and asserting oneself to others, without letting them influence or control your actions. It's a call to take control of one's own boundaries and desires without external pressure.
Line by Line Meaning
if you ask me
If you were to inquire with me
i'll say
I'll respond willingly
yes please
With a statement of affirmation and politeness
to you today
Directly to your current state of being
so don't ask me
But, please refrain from questioning me
'cause i'm weak that way
Due to my own personal shortcomings that make me susceptible
just don't ask me
A plea to avoid pressing further
o.k.
An agreement to cease the line of questioning
i'm so glad we got that
A statement expressing relief upon reaching an understanding
straightened away
Having resolved the previous confusion or tension
if you see me
In the event that I am within your range of vision
walk by
Moving past without stopping for a conversation
you better just let me
A request to not interrupt or redirect course
you better not
An implication of the potential consequences if the request is ignored
bat your pretty eyes
Directing not to use charm when interacting
stop me to say hi
Asking that pleasantries are kept brief and subtle
i got a sweet tooth today
A phrase indicating a craving for something pleasant
so you better not cut that pie
Asking to refrain from indulging in that particular pleasure
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANI DIFRANCO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind