For Apple Music, they explained:
"A lot of the meaning of this song is about conflict in general and this idea of words and dialogue being more powerful than violence, weapons, or combat. If masculinity is all about being courageous, brave, and strong, then the really courageous, brave, and strong thing to do is to be sensitive or open up about your emotions. It’s about redefining the values that masculinity traditionally holds into a new and healthier context. That’s why the lyrics are ‘Are you man enough to soften up? Are you tough enough to open up?’"
For Paper Magazine, Matt Moen explored what the song says about power dynamics between men:
"What Electra zeroes in on in “Man to Man” is the way toxic masculinity by nature pits men against one another. A perpetual battle to prove who is manlier that inexplicably can only be resolved through physical displays of strength. Electra exposes the inherent hierarchies that this system creates and reveals them for the posturing displays of bravado that they actually are."
Man To Man
Dorian Electra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta let me in
You know I ain't straight
But I'ma say it straight to you
I look you in the face
Every time I talk to you
And not convolute
I'll say what I mean
I expect the same from you
So you want to play rough in the parking lot
See you acting tough, but I know you're not
We can take it outside, scuff up in the streetlights
I just really wanna fight with you
Man to man, hand to hand
One on one, friend to friend
Are you man enough to soften up?
Are you tough enough to open up?
Man to man
You gotta let me in
You've gotta be the bigger man
You've got to take the higher ground
You gotta pull your fists away
You gotta lay your weapons down
So you want to play rough in the parking lot
See you acting tough, but I know you're not
We can take it outside, scuff up in the streetlights
I just really wanna fight with you
Man to man (man to man), hand to hand (hand to hand)
One on one (one on one), friend to friend (friend to friend)
Are you man enough to soften up? (soften up)
Are you tough enough to open up? (brave enough, open up)
Man to man
You gotta let me in
(Man to man to man to man, baby)
You gotta let me in
Don't beat around the bush
Don't talk behind my back
Quit acting cowardly
Don't launch a sneak attack
Just sit right here in the daylight
And we can handle the stress alright
Just take my hand, we can settle this man to man
(Man to man)
Man to man (man to man), hand to hand (hand to hand)
One on one (one on one), friend to friend (friend to friend)
Are you man enough to soften up? (soften up)
Are you tough enough to open up? (brave enough, open up)
Man to man
You gotta let me in
(Man to Man)
So you want to play rough in the parking lot (man to man)
See you acting tough, but I know you're not (hand to hand)
We can take it outside, scuff up in the streetlights (one on one)
I just really wanna fight with you (friend to friend)
Are you man enough to soften up? (soften it up)
Are you tough enough to open up? (toughen it up)
Man to man
You gotta let me in
You gotta let me in
You have get to let me in
The song "Man To Man" by Dorian Electra is about the singer's desire to have an honest conversation with someone they care about. The song's first verse lays out the singer's intentions: they are not straight, and they want to be upfront about it. They value honesty and directness in communication, and they expect the same from the person they are addressing. The chorus calls for a face-to-face conversation that is respectful, vulnerable, and authentic. The singer challenges the other person to be "man enough to soften up" and "tough enough to open up," and they want to resolve any differences in a peaceful way. The second verse emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility and empowerment in challenging situations. The singer urges the other person to be the "bigger man" and to resist the urge to engage in violence or passive-aggressive behavior. The bridge reinforces the idea of facing problems head-on and not avoiding them, even if it's uncomfortable.
Overall, the song's lyrics champion vulnerability, communication, and resolution in relationships. Rather than resorting to lies or violence, the singer calls for honesty, intimacy, and conflict resolution.
Line by Line Meaning
Man to man
Let's talk face to face and be honest with each other.
You gotta let me in
You need to open up and let me understand you.
You know I ain't straight
I'm not heterosexual and I'm being straightforward with you.
But I'ma say it straight to you
But I'll be honest with you, regardless.
I look you in the face
I am being direct and sincere by looking directly at you.
Every time I talk to you
Whenever I'm speaking with you face to face.
I want to be clear
I want to be direct and easy to understand.
And not convolute
And not to complicate or make things difficult.
I'll say what I mean
I'll say what is relevant and to the point.
I expect the same from you
I anticipate your honesty and openness in our conversation.
You've gotta be the bigger man
You need to act mature and reasonable.
You've got to take the higher ground
You need to take the morally right path even if it's hard.
You gotta pull your fists away
You need to stop being violent and aggressive.
You gotta lay your weapons down
You need to stop using any harmful ways to communicate and instead talk peacefully.
Don't beat around the bush
Don't avoid the main topic or issue at hand.
Don't talk behind my back
Don't gossip about me or say anything bad behind my back.
Quit acting cowardly
Stop acting fearful and avoiding confrontation.
Don't launch a sneak attack
Don't make a surprise attack instead of being upfront about it.
Just sit right here in the daylight
Let's discuss this matter openly and honestly in plain sight.
And we can handle the stress alright
We'll be able to deal with the challenges from the discussion.
Just take my hand, we can settle this man to man
Let's resolve our issues with emotional maturity and understanding.
Are you man enough to soften up?
Can you be compassionate and vulnerable in this conversation?
Are you tough enough to open up?
Can you be strong and courageous enough to share your feelings and emotions?
Man to man, hand to hand, one on one, friend to friend
Let's talk as respectful individuals and listen to each other's views.
I just really wanna fight with you
I want to resolve this issue and find common ground with you.
You gotta let me in
You need to open up and be honest with me so that we can resolve our issues.
Writer(s): Dorian Electra
Contributed by Isaac B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DORIANELECTRA
Thanks so much for all the love and support on this vid! Check out my new Music Video for "Adam & Steve" out now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mViZtUHqDg8 <3
@66tenuta
My fave $ong
@johnathongodinez3001
I love Adam and Steve I can’t wait until you make a new vid I’ve watch you videos over and your music is very fun
@simoncoppack4179
Adam and Steve is so great!
@mayhemmouse5060
Only just found this song this week. Can't stop replaying!!! You're iconic <3
@Rakurau
Seeing this performed live was amazing breaking apart gender norms left and right I cannot stop listening
@estian4682
But really, do y'all love how Dorian actually reads through all these comments and likes them?!
@DORIANELECTRA
;) <3
@JB-nj7nq
@DORIAN ELECTRA gag 😂🎉❤
@eastia7518
The way their voice switches from masculine to feminine so easily is gorgeous. I'm addicted