Real Men
Mitski Lyrics
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And real men suck it in
Real men don't flinch or bleed in public
Oh, I think I'm a real man.
Little boys cry and look around for comfort
And always get what they want
Little boys see toys and say, "I can take that!"
Though honestly sir, all I wanna do
Is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down
And tell me, "Well done girl, you're looking good!"
Real men keep cool in the face of a fire
Go down with the ship
And real men don't eat, 'cause they're above that, damn it
And oh, I'm gonna be a real man.
Though honestly sir, all I wanna do
Is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down
And give me your love for being so god
But little boys hold me, color me
Praise me, make me feel lovely
For a little while
So little boy, say you want me
'Cause when I can't take it, go ahead
Do it, do it
The song "Real Men" by Mitski is an introspective exploration of traditional gender roles and expectations placed on men and women. The lyrics portray a desire to fit into the societal definition of a "real man" and yet at the same time challenge and reject it. The opening lines, "Real men don't need other people / And real men suck it in," depict the idea that men are supposed to be independent and conceal their emotions. The singer doubts her own masculinity but yearns to conform to these expectations, leading her to question her identity.
The second verse reflects the contrast between traditional expectations of male behavior and that of a little boy. The lyrics state that little boys cry and seek comfort and always get what they want, while real men don't flinch or bleed in public. The singer refers to the person she addresses as a little boy, indicating that he may be vulnerable or in need of support. However, she also has a desire to be seen and acknowledged by him, yearning for his validation, "So you can look me up and down / And tell me, 'Well done girl, you're looking good!'"
In the final verse, the lyrics discuss the notion that real men keep their composure in times of crisis and don't indulge in "lower" activities such as eating. Yet, the singer admits that she wants to break away from these expectations and desires to be seen as desirable by the little boy. Even though she yearns for his validation, the singer recognizes the temporary nature of their relationship stating, "But little boys hold me, color me / Praise me, make me feel lovely / For a little while."
Overall, the song "Real Men" challenges the traditional expectations of masculinity and highlights the desire to fit into these roles while at the same time pushing against them. It shows the complexity of human identity and how societal expectations and perceptions can shape our sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
Real men don't need other people
Masculinity is associated with absolute independence and rejection of emotional connections to others.
And real men suck it in
Men are expected to suppress their emotions and suffer in silence.
Real men don't flinch or bleed in public
Men must show strength and resilience even in the face of pain or turmoil.
Oh, I think I'm a real man.
The artist struggles with her own gender identity and seeks to conform to society's expectations of masculinity.
Little boys cry and look around for comfort
Children are often taught to seek validation and support from their parents and caregivers.
And always get what they want
Children are often indulged and rewarded for their behavior to reinforce positive behavior.
Little boys see toys and say, "I can take that!"
Children are taught to value material possessions and assert their dominance through possession and control.
Oh, you are my little boy
The artist is in a position of power over someone who embodies the traits of childhood and vulnerability.
Though honestly sir, all I wanna do
The artist is addressing a specific person and expressing her desires.
Is get naked in front of you
The artist desires sexual intimacy and vulnerability with this person.
So you can look me up and down
The singer desires validation and approval from this person.
And tell me, "Well done girl, you're looking good!"
The artist seeks affirmation of her feminine qualities from this person in order to feel validated.
Real men keep cool in the face of a fire
Masculinity requires courage, strength, and rationality even in the face of extreme danger.
Go down with the ship
Real men are willing to sacrifice themselves for others and endure hardships with bravery.
And real men don't eat, 'cause they're above that, damn it
Masculinity is associated with self-control, deprivation, and rejection of pleasure.
And oh, I'm gonna be a real man.
The artist is striving to embody society's expectations of masculinity and be seen as a strong, capable individual.
But little boys hold me, color me
The artist seeks emotional support and validation from someone who embodies traits of childhood and vulnerability.
Praise me, make me feel lovely
The singer desires emotional validation and reassurance from this person.
For a little while
The singer recognizes that this person's validation is not lasting and that she may seek it again in the future.
So little boy, say you want me
The artist is asking for emotional and sexual validation from someone who embodies traits of childhood and vulnerability.
'Cause when I can't take it, go ahead
The artist desires this person to comfort her emotionally and sexually when she is overwhelmed and unable to cope.
Do it, do it
The artist is explicitly asking for sexual intimacy and validation from this person.
Contributed by Hailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@yenleaks
[Verse 1]
Real men don't need other people, and
Real men suck it in
Real men don't flinch or bleed in public
Oh, I think I'm a real man
[Verse 2]
Little boys cry and look around for comfort
And always get what they want
Little boys see toys and say "I can take that!"
Oh, you are my little boy
[Hook]
Though honestly, sir
All I wanna do is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down and tell me
"Well done, girl, you're looking good"
[Verse 3]
Real men keep cool in the face of a fire
Go down with the ship
Real men don't eat 'cause
They're above that, damn it
Oh, I'm gonna be a real man
[Hook]
Though honestly, sir
All I wanna do is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down
And give me your love for being so good
[Verse 4]
But little boys hold me, color me
Praise me, make me feel lovely
For a little while
So little boy, say you want me
Cause, well, I can't take it
Go ahead
Do it, do it
@citrus5923
Real men don't need other people
And real men suck it in
Real men don't flinch or bleed in public
Oh, I think I'm a real man
Little boys cry and look around for comfort
And always get what they want
Little boys see toys and say, "I can take that!"
Oh, you are my little boy
Though honestly sir, all I wanna do
Is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down
And tell me, "Well done girl, you're looking good"
Real men keep cool in the face of a fire
Go down with the ship
And real men don't eat, 'cause they're above that, damn it
Oh, I'm gonna be a real man
Though honestly sir, all I wanna do
Is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down
And give me your love for being so good
But little boys hold me, color me
Praise me, make me feel lovely
For a little while
So little boy, say you want me
'Cause when I can't take it, go ahead
Do it, do
@mitskileaks
Mitski's new album 'The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We', featuring the song "My Love Mine All Mine" is out now. Watch the music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx4kLgnFexo
Listen to the album: https://mitski.lnk.to/TLIIASAW
@Angelb.08
❤❤
@djungelskog132
Hi mitski
@-kya-6773
@@Angelb.08😂😂
@mr.unknown8776
@djungelskog132 its her manager that manages her social media accounts lol
@lilkidd8936
She's one of those rare artists were her first album is just as amazing as anything she can write to this very day. She's so talented omg!!!
@hisokamorrow44
FR I LOVE HER SO MUCH SHES AMAZING!!!
@bb-jm3ti
Right I love her and her songs sm
@paeridolia
doesnt that just mean she hasnt improved since her first album?
@warmbre4d
@@paeridolia I don't think it means she hasn't improved, but her way of writing and expressing herself has stayed consistent. her music and style have definitely evolved though