Sexuality
Billy Bragg Lyrics


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I've had relations with girls from many nations
I've made passes at women of all classes
And just because you're gay I won't turn you away
If you stick around I'm sure that we can find some common ground

Sexuality
Strong and warm and wild and free
Sexuality
Your laws do not apply to me

A nuclear submarine sinks off the coast of Sweden
Headlines give me headaches when I read them
I had an uncle who once played for Red Star Belgrade
He said some things are really left best unspoken
But I prefer it all to be out in the open

Sexuality
Strong and warm and wild and free
Sexuality
Your laws do not apply to me
Sexuality
Don't threaten me with misery
Sexuality
I demand equality

I'm sure that everybody knows how much my body hates me
It lets me down most every time and makes me rash and hasty
I feel a total jerk before your naked body of work

I'm getting weighed down with all this information
Safe sex doesn't mean no sex it just means use your imagination
Stop playing with yourselves in hard currency hotels
I look like Robert De Niro, I drive a Mitsubishi Zero

Sexuality
Strong and warm and wild and free
Sexuality
Your laws do not apply to me
Sexuality
Come eat and drink and sleep with me




Sexuality
We can be what we want to be

Overall Meaning

Billy Bragg's song Sexuality is about embracing all forms of sexuality and challenging the societal norms and laws that restrict individuals from loving who they want to love. The lyrics suggest that the singer has had relations with women of all classes and from many nations, and that he welcomes those who are gay. The message behind the song is one of inclusion and acceptance towards those of all sexual orientations.


The second verse references current events, particularly the news headlines that give the singer headaches. The line about the singer's uncle playing for Red Star Belgrade suggests that some topics are better left unspoken, but the singer prefers to be open and honest about his thoughts and feelings. The chorus repeats the idea of "strong and warm and wild and free" sexuality, while rejecting the idea that laws and societal standards should restrict one's sexual expression.


The bridge acknowledges the imperfections of the human body, but also celebrates the physicality of sex, encouraging individuals to use their imaginations and explore their desires. The final line about the singer looking like Robert De Niro and driving a Mitsubishi Zero is a playful nod to the idea that sexuality is about being true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

I've had relations with girls from many nations
I have been with girls from many countries.


I've made passes at women of all classes
I have flirted with women from all social classes.


And just because you're gay I won't turn you away
I won't reject someone just because they are gay.


If you stick around I'm sure that we can find some common ground
If we work together, we can find common interests.


Sexuality
The various ways in which people express sexual desire.


Strong and warm and wild and free
Sexuality is powerful and diverse and can be expressed in surprising ways.


Your laws do not apply to me
Societal norms regarding sexuality do not dictate who I am attracted to.


A nuclear submarine sinks off the coast of Sweden
News stories can be overwhelming and depressing.


Headlines give me headaches when I read them
News can be stressful and anxiety inducing.


I had an uncle who once played for Red Star Belgrade
I have family connections to people who have accomplished unique things.


He said some things are really left best unspoken
Some things are better off not being spoken aloud.


But I prefer it all to be out in the open
I believe that honesty and openness are important in relationships and communication.


Don't threaten me with misery
Don't try to scare me into conformity by painting horrifying pictures of life outside the norm.


I demand equality
I believe in equal rights for all people, regardless of their sexuality.


I'm sure that everybody knows how much my body hates me
My body sometimes betrays me, causing me pain and frustration.


It lets me down most every time and makes me rash and hasty
My body's weaknesses sometimes cause me to make impulsive and regrettable decisions.


I feel a total jerk before your naked body of work
I feel embarrassed when I compare my own accomplishments to those of others.


I'm getting weighed down with all this information
I feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available to me.


Safe sex doesn't mean no sex it just means use your imagination
Instead of avoiding sex, we can use our creativity to make it safer and more fun.


Stop playing with yourselves in hard currency hotels
Stop wasting your time on empty, materialistic pleasures.


I look like Robert De Niro, I drive a Mitsubishi Zero
I am unique and hard to define, much like a blend of two vastly different things.


Come eat and drink and sleep with me
Let's enjoy each other's company in all aspects of life.


We can be what we want to be
We have the power to define ourselves and lead the lives we want to lead, regardless of what others might think.




Lyrics Š Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILLY BRAGG, JOHNNY MARR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Digby Mason

Love this song so much - the updated version with trans and NB inclusive stuff he does at live gigs is also incredible

ruben k

🤢

R B

It is! I saw him at a festival a few months ago and was delighted to hear the updated version.

ApeManGeezer

@ruben k Cry about it

Orestes

@ruben k you alright there mate?

The Arty Hikikomori

@ruben k If you stick around, I'm sure that we'll find the right pronouns! 😽

8 More Replies...

Communist Shoplifting

Kirsty singing with Billy, Johnny Marr playing guitar (though sadly not in the video) and a video directed by Phil Jupitus. Brilliant. Always loved this one.

Mass Anam

Jnnn

John Cunliffe

It’ll never get that good again

The Arty Hikikomori

Had no idea Billy Bragg was mates with Phill Jupitus! Interesting. (Phill's a famous-in-the-UK comedian, for those who aren't in the Britosphere.)

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