First Be a Woman
Gloria Gaynor Lyrics


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You can go to Harvard
You can be a pilot
You can be an astronaut
But first, be a woman, ooh ooh
When you're walking down the street
Show your feminine appeal
Even tho' you're wearing jeans
It's important to be real
You were born to be yourself
So no matter how you feel
If you want to impress the opposite sex
When he takes you for a ride
Let him open you the door
When he asks you for a dance
Let him lead you to the floor
When he kisses you good night
You just leave him wanting more
You can do all you can
Say I am what I am
But first be a woman oh oh oh oh
When he takes you out to dine
Don';t you end up in his bed
Wedding bells will ring in time
Make him dream of you instead
And his passion can be like
All the stories that you've read
He can be Romeo if you act like Juliet
Nowadays it ends too soon
Even tho' it's just begun
You can take him to the moon
He'll leave with the morning sun
So take a lesson from the past
Make him want and make him run
(You can't be a quarterback
He can't wear a pretty dress
You cannot be Superman
And he's not a shy princess
So why try to be alike
When it's only self defense ?
You've got grace, he's got style
And together you'll rhyme
So remember to be true
To the legend that you are
All the feminine in you
Has worked miracles so far
So head up high and don';t be shy
You can reach for any star
You can do all you can
Say I am what I am
You can be an executive




Hhh ! You can drive a train
You can be a detective

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Gloria Gaynor's "First Be a Woman" start by listing out various achievements that a woman can have, such as going to Harvard, becoming a pilot, or an astronaut. However, the chorus emphasizes the importance of embracing one's femininity and not shying away from showing it. Even when wearing jeans, it's important to let one's feminine appeal shine through. The song also gives advice on how to impress the opposite sex, from letting a man open the door for you to making him dream of you instead of just ending up in bed with him.


The song promotes the idea that women do not need to hide or downplay their femininity to be successful in male-dominated fields or to impress men. Instead, they should embrace and celebrate their femininity, which has worked miracles for them so far. The lyrics suggest that being a woman is a strength and should not be something to be ashamed of or something that holds a woman back from achieving her goals.


Overall, "First Be a Woman" encourages women to be confident in their femininity while also being successful in their careers and relationships. The song highlights the importance of being true to oneself and embracing one's identity fully.


Line by Line Meaning

You can go to Harvard
Education is important and women should strive to achieve higher levels of learning.


You can be a pilot
Women are capable of anything, including jobs that used to be considered only for men.


You can be an astronaut
Women can break barriers and achieve amazing things in traditionally male-dominated fields.


But first, be a woman, ooh ooh
Before anything else, a woman should be confident in her femininity and embrace who she is as a person.


When you're walking down the street
A woman should always carry herself with grace and poise, even when dressed casually.


Show your feminine appeal
It's okay to embrace and express femininity, whether through appearance or actions.


Even tho' you're wearing jeans
Casual attire doesn't mean sacrificing one's femininity.


It's important to be real
Being true to oneself is essential, regardless of societal expectations or pressures.


You were born to be yourself
Everyone is unique and should embrace their individuality.


So no matter how you feel
Even when feeling uncertain, women should remain true to themselves and embrace their femininity.


If you want to impress the opposite sex
Women should never feel the need to impress men, but if they choose to, expressing femininity and confidence can be attractive.


When he takes you for a ride
Allowing a man to take the lead can be enjoyable and even romantic.


Let him open you the door
Allowing a man to perform traditional acts of chivalry can be a gesture of respect and appreciation.


When he asks you for a dance
Again, allowing a man to take the lead can be enjoyable and romantic.


Let him lead you to the floor
Allowing a man to take control can be a sign of trust and love.


When he kisses you good night
Physical affection is natural in romantic relationships and can be enjoyable when both parties are willing.


You just leave him wanting more
Leaving a man feeling desirable and wanting more can be empowering for both parties.


Don';t you end up in his bed
Women should never feel pressured or obligated to engage in sexual activity, especially early in a relationship.


Wedding bells will ring in time
Taking time to build a strong emotional connection can lead to a more fulfilling and lasting relationship.


Make him dream of you instead
Leaving a man longing for emotional connection can be more meaningful and rewarding than short-term physical gratification.


And his passion can be like
When emotional intimacy is present, physical affection can be more meaningful and enjoyable.


All the stories that you've read
Romantic relationships can be romanticized in media, but they require real emotional investment and communication to be successful.


He can be Romeo if you act like Juliet
Both parties can embrace traditional romantic roles, but this doesn't mean one person has to sacrifice their individuality or independence.


Nowadays it ends too soon
Modern relationships can lack strong emotional connection and end quickly.


Even tho' it's just begun
It's important to build strong emotional connections slowly, even when physical attraction is present.


You can take him to the moon
Women can have a powerful effect on men, emotionally and romantically.


He'll leave with the morning sun
While emotional connections can be strong, at the end of the day people have their own lives and responsibilities.


So take a lesson from the past
Learning from previous relationships and experiences can help people build stronger, healthier relationships.


Make him want and make him run
Women should have the power to control their relationships, including when to set boundaries and end unsatisfactory situations.


You can't be a quarterback
Women are often excluded from certain roles or activities, but this doesn't diminish their abilities in other areas.


He can't wear a pretty dress
Men can also be limited in expression due to societal expectations, but everyone should be allowed to express themselves as they choose.


You cannot be Superman
People can't be superheroes or perfect, but everyone has unique abilities and strengths.


And he's not a shy princess
Similarly, traditional gender roles or expectations do not define individuals and their capabilities.


So why try to be alike
Instead of trying to live up to societal expectations or norms, individuals should embrace their individuality and differences.


When it's only self defense ?
Suppressing individuality or trying to fit in can be a form of self-preservation, but true fulfillment comes from embracing who we are and living authentically.


You've got grace, he's got style
Everyone has unique qualities and can complement each other in relationships.


And together you'll rhyme
Strong relationships require emotional and intellectual parity, as well as emotional intimacy.


So remember to be true
Don't forget to embrace one's true identity and uniqueness in a relationship.


To the legend that you are
Everyone has their own story and legacy, which should be celebrated and respected.


All the feminine in you
Women should embrace and express femininity as part of their authentic selves, rather than try to suppress it or fit into societal norms or expectations.


Has worked miracles so far
The power of femininity can have a strong and positive effect on personal growth, relationships, and society.


So head up high and don';t be shy
Confidence and self-assurance are key to embracing one's unique identity and achieving success in relationships and personal growth.


You can reach for any star
Anything is possible with self-assurance and confidence in one's own identity and abilities.


You can be an executive
Women are capable of success in professional settings and should strive to achieve leadership roles.


Hhh ! You can drive a train
Women can succeed in virtually any field or occupation regardless of societal expectations or stereotypes.


You can be a detective
Women can achieve success in traditionally male-dominated fields such as law enforcement and criminal justice.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: . MICHAELE, LANA SEBASTIAN, PAUL SEBASTIAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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