Mr. Little Jeans (born Monica Birkenes) is a Norwegian born singer-songwrit… Read Full Bio ↴Mr. Little Jeans (born Monica Birkenes) is a Norwegian born singer-songwriter based in London, England. Birkenes grew up in rural Grimstad, daughter of a ship-builder and secretary who discouraged television, so she performed in the town’s family-oriented plays and musical events. At 18, she moved to London and eventually signed to Neon Gold. In 2010, Birkenes released the Rescue Song and Angel EP. Her album debut, Pocketknife, was released by Harvest in 2014 to favorable reviews.

Her pseudonym comes from Kumar Pallana's character in Wes Anderson's "Rushmore."

Single Ladies
Mr. Little Jeans Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Up in the club, we just broke up
I′m doing my own little thing
Decided to dip and now you wanna trip
'Cause another brother noticed me

I′m up on him, he up on me
Don't pay him any attention
Just cried my tears, for three good years

Ya can't be mad at me

′Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don′t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh

If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

I got gloss on my lips, a man on my hips
Got me tighter in my Dereon jeans
Acting up, drink in my cup
I can care less what you think

I need no permission, did I mention
Don′t pay him any attention
'Cause you had your turn and now you gonna learn
What it really feels like to miss me

′Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh

If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don′t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh

Don't treat me to the things of the world
I'm not that kind of girl
Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve

Here′s a man that makes me then takes me
And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond
Pull me into your arms, say I′m the one you own
If you don't, you′ll be alone
And like a ghost Ill be gone

All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies, all the single ladies
All the single ladies
Now put your hands up, oh, oh, oh

'Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don′t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh

If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it

If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Oh, oh, oh

Overall Meaning

The song "Single Ladies" by Mr. Little Jeans is a fun empowerment anthem for independent women who don't need a man to feel complete. The opening lyrics depict a scenario in which the singer, who has just ended a relationship, is enjoying her time at a club - and to her surprise, another man has taken notice of her. She remains unbothered by her ex's disapproval and reminds him that he had his chance to commit, but now it's too late. The chorus repeatedly states that if he loved her, he should have put a ring on it, and now that another man sees her worth, he has no right to be angry.

The second verse is a celebration of the singer's confident sexuality, as she describes her curves and her choice to drink without caring what others think. She asserts that she needs no one's validation and that her love must be earned and committed to. The bridge goes on to articulate the specifics of what she seeks in a partner - someone who will elevate her and cherish her. The chorus is then repeated multiple times, emphasizing the titular message that women don't need to settle for less than they deserve.

Overall, the song celebrates female independence, confidence, and self-respect. It suggests that women must prioritize their own needs and standards over societal expectations or men's desires.

Line by Line Meaning

Up in the club, we just broke up I′m doing my own little thing
After breaking up, I am enjoying my own life at a club

Decided to dip and now you wanna trip 'Cause another brother noticed me
You became jealous of me after I left and another guy noticed me

I′m up on him, he up on me Don't pay him any attention
I'm with another guy and I'm not interested in your jealousy

Just cried my tears, for three good years Ya can't be mad at me
I shed tears for three years while with you, so you can't blame me for moving on

′Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it Don't be mad once you see that he want it If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it Oh, oh, oh
If you really liked being with me, you should have shown your commitment by proposing. Don't be upset when someone else desires me. This phrase is repeated to emphasize the importance of commitment in relationships.

I got gloss on my lips, a man on my hips Got me tighter in my Dereon jeans Acting up, drink in my cup I can care less what you think
I'm looking attractive with my makeup and physique. I don't care about your opinions, as I'm enjoying with a drink.

I need no permission, did I mention Don′t pay him any attention
You have no right to control my actions, and I'm not interested in your jealousy.

'Cause you had your turn and now you gonna learn What it really feels like to miss me
You had your chance to be with me, and now that I'm gone you will understand my true worth and regret letting me go.

I'm not that kind of girl Your love is what I prefer, what I deserve
I'm not interested in materialistic things. I deserve true love and commitment.

Here′s a man that makes me then takes me And delivers me to a destiny, to infinity and beyond Pull me into your arms, say I′m the one you own If you don't, you′ll be alone And like a ghost Ill be gone
I want a man who can make me happy and support my dreams. If you can't provide that, I'll leave you behind like a ghost.

All the single ladies, all the single ladies All the single ladies, all the single ladies All the single ladies, all the single ladies All the single ladies Now put your hands up, oh, oh, oh
This is a chorus inviting all the unmarried women to dance and celebrate their singlehood.

Writer(s): Charles Singleton, Bert Kaempfert, Larry Kusik, Herbert Rehbein

Contributed by Adrian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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