Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves
Eurythmics Lyrics


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Now there was a time when they used to say
That behind every - great man.
There had to be a - great woman.
But in these times of change you know
That it's no longer true.
So we're comin' out of the kitchen
'Cause there's somethin' we forgot to say to you (we say)
[Chorus]
Sisters are doin' it for themselves.
Standin' on their own two feet.
And ringin' on their own bells.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves.

Now this is a song to celebrate
The conscious liberation of the female state!
Mothers, daughters and their daughters too.
Woman to woman
We're singin' with you.
The inferior sex got a new exterior
We got doctors, lawyers, politicians too.
Everybody, take a look around.
Can you see, can you see, can you see
There's a woman right next to you.

[Chorus]

Now we ain't makin' stories
And we ain't layin' plans
'cause a man still loves a woman




And a woman still loves a man
(just a same though)

Overall Meaning

The song Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves by Eurythmics featuring Aretha Franklin is an anthem for women empowerment. The song challenges the traditional mindset that behind every great man is a great woman, by declaring that women are capable of standing on their own without depending on men. The lyrics say that the times have changed and it is no longer true that women are inferior to men. The chorus, "Sisters are doin' it for themselves" signifies that women have exchanged the traditional sacrifices for self-dependency, dignity, and respect. It is about owning and being proud of their identity as women.


The song encourages women of all ages, races, and backgrounds to unite and support each other. It highlights the courage, determination, and accomplishments of women who have broken stereotypes and made a significant contribution to their communities. The song celebrates consciousness and liberation of women from societal expectations and norms. It envisages a world where women can lead and inspire other women to achieve their potential.


Line by Line Meaning

Now there was a time when they used to say
In the past, people used to believe that behind every successful man was a woman


That behind every - great man.
They deemed that a prosperous man was supported by a woman's presence


There had to be a - great woman.
They believed that the man's success was due to the woman's support and contribution to his achievements


But in these times of change you know
However, in our modern times, this stereotype is no longer valid


That it's no longer true.
We do not believe in this notion anymore


So we're comin' out of the kitchen
Women are stepping out of the confines of the kitchen and household duties


'Cause there's somethin' we forgot to say to you (we say)
Because there is a message that we must communicate to the world


Sisters are doin' it for themselves.
Women are achieving success based on their own abilities and hard work


Standin' on their own two feet.
They are independent and self-sufficient


And ringin' on their own bells.
Women are proclaiming their achievements and announcing their presence to the world


Now this is a song to celebrate
This song honors and rejoices in


The conscious liberation of the female state!
The intentional freeing of women from societal, cultural and political oppression


Mothers, daughters and their daughters too.
Women of all ages and generations


Woman to woman
From one woman to another


We're singin' with you.
We are united in this cause and support each other


The inferior sex got a new exterior
The socially perceived inferior gender has shown that they are equal in all aspects of life


We got doctors, lawyers, politicians too.
Women are now excelling in various fields, including male-dominated ones


Everybody, take a look around.
People are urged to observe their surroundings


Can you see, can you see, can you see
To notice and comprehend


There's a woman right next to you.
There are women all around us, and they are capable of achieving great things


Now we ain't makin' stories
We are not making up tales or fabricating achievements


And we ain't layin' plans
We are not scheming or devising strategies


'cause a man still loves a woman
Because men and women can still love and support each other


And a woman still loves a man
Women are not undermining men's significance, rather they believe in gender equality


(just a same though)
(Nonetheless, we must acknowledge that gender prejudice still exists)




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@rudylabsilica2286

“We ain’t making stories
We ain’t laying plans
Don’t you know that a Man still
loves a Woman
And a Woman still
loves a Man
Just the same?”

That line always makes me tear up! So touching, and very true.



All comments from YouTube:

@manuginobilisbaldspot424

Annie and Aretha, two of my favorites. They KILLED it on this track. Okay ladies, do ya thang!

@shannonmartin107

My favorite female vocalist, and my second favorite female vocalist

@PunguinYoga

Great tune. Great video.

@msjrockqueen2011

One of the best collaborations in the history of music. 💞

@yutehube4468

I see your Aretha Franklin + Annie Lennox and raise you an Aretha Franklin + George Michael.

@nekomann

@@yutehube4468 I love this era for Aretha. She was working with awesome people and those awesome people knew they were working with serious music royalty. Both songs still slap!

@ericandsarahsmom1000

I'm listening to this song on March 25, 2021, which would've been Aretha's 79th birthday. Rest in peace, Queen of Soul. You are terribly missed.

@antoinettenovella1630

Rip Aretha. She is. Her voice was phenomenal as is Annie Lennox's.

@sherryhannah498

Eric and Sarah‘a mom1000 you going to go see the movie Respect which is about Aretha?????!!!!……Jennifer Hudson is going to play her……I hope you will reply to this

@ericandsarahsmom1000

@Sherry Hannah Of course. Movies usually open in NYC and here in Los Angeles first, and then go to general release in the rest of the country. Aretha had asked Jennifer to play her. The director said all the songs were filmed live, with real musicians. She didn't want any lip-synching.

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