From Six
Released September 1998
Part… Read Full Bio ↴Written by Paul Draper.
From Six
Released September 1998
Part One (2:00 only) was originally released as a single (Nine EP) in August 1998
A live version (Parts one and two) was released as a b-side to Six (Eleven EP) in January 1999.
Being A Girl
Mansun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I judge myself by the adverts I see
My deodorant hides the real me
These things elevate me above animals
I feel like being a girl
Being a girl
And my life never tasted sweeter
I'm so boring, my clothes want to keep
Someone else warm, someone cooler
Tax on cigarettes, treats my cancer
These things elevate me above animals
I feel like being a girl
Being a girl
And my life never tasted sweeter
The lyrics of Mansun's song "Being A Girl" delve into the idea of gender roles and stereotypes in society. The opening line, "Being a boy's like sucking on a lemon," suggests that being a boy is not necessarily an enjoyable experience. The use of this metaphor paints a picture of a sour and unpleasant experience. The singer then goes on to say that he judges himself based on the advertisements he sees, which highlights the pressure society puts on individuals to fulfill gender-specific standards.
The line "My deodorant hides the real me" suggests that individuals may hide their true personalities in order to fit in with societal norms. Deodorant is often marketed to enhance masculine qualities of strength and power, therefore by using it, individuals may conform to gender expectations.
The chorus "I feel like being a girl, and my life never tasted sweeter" suggests that the singer feels liberated and free in embracing a feminine identity. The use of the metaphor "my life never tasted sweeter" suggests that taking on a feminine identity has brought a sense of satisfaction into their life.
In the second verse, the lyrics mention how the singer feels boring and uncool, but their clothes seem to have a personality of their own. This line highlights how clothing can be a way to express one's identity. The final line, "These things elevate me above animals," is a reminder that humans have evolved to be more than just animals and have the ability to choose their identity and their path in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Being a boy's like sucking on a lemon
The expectations and societal norms placed on boys can often leave a sour taste in one's mouth and be difficult to bear.
And I judge myself by the adverts I see
I measure my self-worth based on the unrealistic and often unattainable standards advertised to me by the media.
My deodorant hides the real me
The products I use to conform to societal norms and expectations often mask my true self and identity.
These things elevate me above animals
Although humans are still technically animals, we use material possessions and societal norms to make us feel superior.
I feel like being a girl
I wish to escape the societal pressures and expectations placed on boys and find relief in the different norms and expectations placed on girls.
And my life never tasted sweeter
I find joy and contentment in breaking free from societal norms and expectations, and embracing my own identity and individuality.
I'm so boring, my clothes want to keep
I feel uninteresting and unexceptional, and my clothes are a reflection of this - they lack uniqueness or flair.
Someone else warm, someone cooler
I wish I could be someone else - someone with more confidence, charisma, or style.
Tax on cigarettes, treats my cancer
Society and government imposes its own expectations and consequences on us, with policies and regulations that affect our health and well-being.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PAUL EDWARD DRAPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@OldCyrilTheGamingGrandpa
Such a great album. One of the most original and brave releases of all time.
@Laszlo75
I miss Mansun. Great band. This is a great song.
@PortaJoseph
One of the best albums of all time!!!!
@northcountrybhoy
"i'm so boring my clothes want to keep someone else warm someone cooler" amazing lyrics from an amazing band
@FanaticFilmsINC
This video was my first exposure to Mansun. I remember sitting there, blown away by the song while simultaneously thinking "WTF was that???" Loved them ever since.
@gallowaygaming75
Wow back in better times
@laurenisalltherage
I'm on a nostalgia trip and thought I'd check out this video.... haha omg Danny Dyer! Six was an amazing album. Still listen to it regularly.
@DrunkenPoetic
This was back when there were only two music channels and I used to watch them fucking constantly.
@jadedcynical7739
Best drum sound ever!
@LeighDWYC
It's a very well recorded album