Real Men
Mitski Lyrics

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.