Just a Girl
No Doubt Lyrics

Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
Remove the blindfold of societal expectations from my vision

I'm exposed and it's no big surprise
I am already aware of how society views and treats women

Don't you think I know exactly where I stand?
I understand my place in this world, but I don't believe it's fair or just

This world is forcing me to hold your hand
Society is constantly demanding that I be subservient to men and follow their lead

'Cause I'm just a girl, oh, little old me
Because society views me as a weak and powerless woman

Well, don't let me out of your sight
Men feel they need to control and protect me because they view me as vulnerable

Oh, I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
Men often reduce women to their appearance, ignoring their abilities and intelligence

So don't let me have any rights
Men feel threatened by the idea of women having equal rights and opportunities

Oh, I've had it up to here
I have reached my breaking point and am fed up with society's treatment of me

The moment that I step outside
As soon as I leave the house, I am assaulted with messages that I am inferior because of my gender

So many reasons for me to run and hide
The world feels unsafe for me, and I am constantly looking for ways to protect myself

I can't do the little things I hold so dear
Even small things like walking alone at night or dressing a certain way are restricted for me because I am a woman

'Cause it's all those little things that I fear
I fear for my safety and my rights because of the constant messages society sends me about my gender

I'd rather not be
I don't want to be just a girl, I want to be treated as an equal to men

'Cause they won't let me drive late at night
Society gives men the freedom to do things that women are not allowed to do, like drive alone at night

Oh, I'm just a girl, guess I'm some kind of freak
People view me as abnormal or strange because I don't fit into traditional gender roles

'Cause they all sit and stare with their eyes
I am constantly being judged and evaluated by society based on my appearance and behavior

Oh, I'm just a girl, take a good look at me
I am tired of being reduced to my gender and want people to see me as an individual with my own unique qualities

Just your typical prototype
Society has a narrow definition of what it means to be a woman, and I don't fit that definition

Oh, am I making myself clear?
Do you understand the frustration and anger I feel because of societal expectations?

Living in captivity
I feel trapped by societal norms and expectations that limit my opportunities and freedoms

Your rule of thumb makes me worrisome
The idea that men are always in control and have the final say makes me anxious and fearful

What I've succumbed to is making me numb
The constant pressure to conform to societal expectations is taking a toll on my mental and emotional well-being

My apologies
I'm sorry if my disagreement with gender norms makes you uncomfortable

What I've become is so burdensome
Being a woman in a society that treats me unfairly is exhausting, both physically and mentally

Lucky me, there's no comparison
I am grateful for my life, but I know it could be better if society treated women as equals

Oh, I've had it up to
I can't take it anymore

Oh, I've had it up to
I'm at my breaking point

Oh, I've had it up to here
I am done with societal expectations and gender inequality.