The Bullpen
Dessa Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china-doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit, swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china-doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, don't think whole clip
Let's begin like

It's been assumed I'm soft or irrelevant
'Cause I refuse to downplay my intelligence
But in a room of thugs and rap veterans
Why am I the only one who's acting like a gentleman?
Good form and bad taste
Pretty, what a waste
All that style, not a thing to say
Looks to me like a little of your new school
Is at the shallow end of the typing pool
All cloak, no dagger
Just smoke and swagger
I hope that you're battery's charged.
'Cause I found a steel ladder
Now your ceilings don't matter
Check me out, now I've got glass floors.

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china-doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit, swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china-doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, don't think whole clip
Let's begin like

They love me, they love me not
Pulling pedals off my bike
Gotta strike while the irony's still hot
No telling what the kids might like
And I love this job but
Good God sometimes I hate this business
It's all love backstage
But then the boys get brave
Gotta say, "I hope your mother doesn't listen.
Excuse me, where you going?
Doomtree, Minnesota
Population's growing all the time
And if you feel this,
Grab a chisel, add one to the number on the sign

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china-doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit, swing at
every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china-doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip




Talk a little shit, don't think whole clip
Let's begin like

Overall Meaning

In Dessa's song "The Bullpen," she challenges the stereotypes and assumptions made about her as a female rapper in a genre dominated by men. The lyrics suggest that she is not a delicate china doll, but rather a force to be reckoned with. The first verse sets the tone for the song, inviting the listener to forget about the bull in the china shop and pay attention to the china doll in the bullpen. The china doll is a metaphor for Dessa herself, who is just as fragile as fine china but possesses an inner strength and fire that make her powerful. She walks with a switch, has fire in her fist, and bites at the bit as she swings at every pitch, eager to prove herself on a male-dominated playing field.


The second verse is where Dessa takes on the stereotypes and challenges them head-on. She refuses to downplay her intelligence, despite being in a room full of male thugs and rap veterans who perpetuate the stereotype that women in hip-hop are just pretty faces with nothing of substance to say. Dessa asserts that she has good form and bad taste, and though she may appear stylish, she has plenty to say, unlike those new school rappers who are at the shallow end of the typing pool. Dessa claims to have a steel ladder that allows her to shatter the glass ceilings and walk on glass floors, challenging the limitations that are often imposed on women in hip-hop.


Line by Line Meaning

Forget the bull in the china shop
Don't worry about causing chaos, there's someone tougher and more resilient than expected in the bullpen ready to handle it.


There's a china-doll in the bullpen
Despite appearing fragile or delicate, there's someone with inner strength and fierceness ready to confront any challenge.


Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Confident and poised, wielding passion and strength in her actions.


Biting at the bit, swing at every pitch
Eager and aggressive, always ready to take on new opportunities and challenges.


Coach put me in like
Ready and willing to step up and take charge, regardless of the obstacles or opposition.


It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Technique and skill are essential, with a fearless, no-holds-barred approach to getting the job done.


Talk a little shit, don't think whole clip
Confidence is key, but avoid being overly boastful or arrogant.


It's been assumed I'm soft or irrelevant
People mistakenly judge or underestimate her due to her appearance or demeanor.


'Cause I refuse to downplay my intelligence
Despite societal expectations, she refuses to hide or diminish her intelligence or knowledge.


But in a room of thugs and rap veterans
In a group of experienced and hardcore individuals, she stands out as unique or different.


Why am I the only one who's acting like a gentleman?
Despite the rough or aggressive environment, she maintains her composure and grace.


Good form and bad taste
She may exude elegance and refinement, but she also possesses a willingness to cross boundaries or push limits.


Pretty, what a waste
Her physical beauty is irrelevant compared to her inner strength and abilities.


All that style, not a thing to say
Others may be impressed by her appearance, but she knows that substance and action are more important.


Looks to me like a little of your new school
She observes that some individuals may lack experience or depth, relying solely on surface-level trends or behaviors.


Is at the shallow end of the typing pool
These individuals may be inexperienced or limited in their abilities, unable to handle more complex situations or challenges.


All cloak, no dagger
Others may put on a tough exterior, but lack the real skills or ability to back it up.


Just smoke and swagger
Empty bravado, without the inner strength or substance to make it truly impactful or lasting.


I hope that you're battery's charged.
She hopes others are prepared and ready to stand up against her, because she is not backing down.


'Cause I found a steel ladder
She has found the strength and determination to overcome any obstacle or challenge in her way.


Now your ceilings don't matter
No obstacle is too great or challenging for her to overcome.


Check me out, now I've got glass floors.
She is proud of her inner strength and accomplishments, and is willing to show it off to others.


They love me, they love me not
The fickle nature of fame and public opinion.


Pulling petals off my bike
Others may try to diminish her or bring her down, like children playing with flower petals.


Gotta strike while the irony's still hot
Take advantage of unexpected situations or circumstances to make a powerful impact.


No telling what the kids might like
Uncertainty in what will be popular or successful, especially among a younger audience.


And I love this job but
Despite the challenges, she is passionate about her work and career.


Good God sometimes I hate this business
The harsh realities and hardships of the entertainment industry.


It's all love backstage
Despite any controversies or rivalries, there is still camaraderie and support among fellow performers.


But then the boys get brave
Some individuals may act tougher or more aggressive than they really are.


Gotta say, "I hope your mother doesn't listen.
Others may say things they regret or wouldn't want their loved ones to hear.


Excuse me, where you going?
Challenging someone who may be dismissing or underestimating her.


Doomtree, Minnesota
Her roots and origins.


Population's growing all the time
Proud of the growth and success of her community and culture.


And if you feel this,
If you can relate to her experiences or message,


Grab a chisel, add one to the number on the sign
Help build and strengthen the community through collective action and support.




Contributed by Juliana I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@gabs6370

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit
Swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, roll thick,
Whole clique
Let's begin

It's been assumed I'm soft or irrelevant
Cause I refuse to down play my intelligence
But in a room of thugs and rap veterans
Why am I the only one
Who's acting like a gentleman
Good form bad taste
Pity what a waste
All that style, not a thing to say
Looks to me like
A little of your true school
Is at the shallow end of the typing pool
All cloak, no dagger
Just smoke and swagger
I hope that your battery's charged
Cause I found this here ladder
Now your ceilings don't matter
Check me out,
Now I got glass floors

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit
Swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, roll thick,
Whole clique
Let's begin

They love me, they love me not
Pulling pedals off my bike
You gotta strike while the irony's still hot
No telling what the kids might like
And I love this job, but ah, good god
Sometimes I hate this business
It's all love backstage but then the boys get brave
Gotta say, I hope your mother doesn't listen
Excuse me, where you going
Doomtree, Minnesota
Population's growing all the time
And if you feel this
You know what the deal is
Grab a chisel tip and add one to the number on the sign

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit
Swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, roll thick,
Whole clique
Let's begin



@mariai2678

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit
Swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, roll thick
Whole clique
Let's begin

It's been assumed I'm soft or irrelevant
Cause I refuse to down play my intelligence
But in a room of thugs and rap veterans
Why am I the only one
Who's acting like a gentleman
Good form bad taste
Pity what a waste
All that style, not a thing to say
Looks to me like
A little of your true school
Is at the shallow end of the typing pool
All cloak, no dagger
Just smoke and swagger
I hope that your battery's charged
Cause I found this here ladder
Now your ceilings don't matter
Check me out
Now I got glass floors

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit
Swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, roll thick
Whole clique
Let's begin

They love me, they love me not
Pulling pedals off my bike
You gotta strike while the irony's still hot
No telling what the kids might like
And I love this job, but ah, good God
Sometimes I hate this business
It's all love backstage but then the boys get brave
Gotta say, I hope your mother doesn't listen
Excuse me, where you going
Doomtree, Minnesota
Population's growing all the time
And if you feel this
You know what the deal is
Grab a chisel tip and add one to the number on the sign

Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
Walk with a switch, fire in her fist
Biting at the bit
Swing at every pitch
Coach put me in like
Forget the bull in the china shop
There's a china doll in the bullpen
It's all in the wrist, fire from the hip
Talk a little shit, roll thick
Whole clique
Let's begin



All comments from YouTube:

@anthonycarfang9877

Heard this during the movie RBG (which was amazing by the way) and had a feeling it could only be Dessa. Powerful lyrics and addicting sound.

@Johnsen2012

Extra cringe at that, RBG and Klobuchar are/were centrist, pro-cop capitalist liberals. (I'm a leftist by the way.) Pretty sure Dessa is infinitely cooler, correct me if I'm wrong. RBG was racist as fuck and broke important treaties with Native Americans to help her own burgeoning white ethnostate. Klobuchar pretends to be (center-) left for clout and power, her actual history and actions are just about entirely right-wing (if you can view things outside the Overton-window box). Not trying to make y'all nihilists, there are actual hopeful political and social programs out there. I'd say especially check out leftist communalism (Murray Bookchin's work among others) and the democratic project in north-east Syria for examples. Please keep in mind that social constructs like states and capitalisms (yes plural) are neither permanent nor inevitable, and antithetical economies and societies can be built anywhere despite them. We don't have to choose between a "nice, benevolent" authoritarian state and a fascist state, in fact, choosing the former has historically always led society towards the latter. Be reasonable, do the "impossible" within the current system by rejecting it and building a society that can outgrow bigotry, protect human dignity and freedom, and defend biodiversity. Thank you for reading

@carlitecarfangs429

I appreciate your perspective. I hadn't known about RBG's actions against Native Americans. Coincidentally I actually just learned about Bookchin and the Yazidi Kurds, and have been falling in love with their visions. Looking forward to diving in more, and figuring out good ways to promote those values and systems at least locally with hopes of growing outward.

@wiiwendy

Perfect song for RBG. Now she may rest 🙏💟 RIP Super Women 😇

@Johnsen2012

fuck and that, RBG and Klobuchar are/were centrist, pro-cop capitalist liberals. (I'm a leftist by the way.) Pretty sure Dessa is infinitely cooler, correct me if I'm wrong. RBG was racist as fuck and broke important treaties with Native Americans to help her own burgeoning white ethnostate. Klobuchar pretends to be (center-) left for clout and power, her actual history and actions are just about entirely right-wing (if you can view things outside the Overton-window box). Not trying to make y'all nihilists, there are actual hopeful political and social programs out there. I'd say especially check out leftist communalism (Murray Bookchin's work among others) and the democratic project in north-east Syria for examples. Please keep in mind that social constructs like states and capitalisms (yes plural) are neither permanent nor inevitable, and antithetical economies and societies can be built anywhere despite them. We don't have to choose between a "nice, benevolent" authoritarian state and a fascist state, in fact, choosing the former has historically always led society towards the latter. Be reasonable, do the "impossible" within the current system by rejecting it and building a society that can outgrow bigotry, protect human dignity and freedom, and defend biodiversity. Thank you for reading :)

@sissyray

RBG brought me here, anyone else?

@therealgigi5166

Me too

@vlove888

Sasha Ray exactly! Lol

@justifiedmadness31

Same here!

@crystalgarcia1758

😎

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