Pamela Means' many honors include being named Falcon Ridge Folk Festival's #1 "Most Wanted New Artist", and both Wisconsin's "Folk Artist of the Year", and "Female Vocalist of the Year". Pamela has also been a Boston Music Award Nominee ("Outstanding Contemporary Folk Artist").
Currently, Pamela performs over 150 shows a year at clubs, coffeehouses, colleges, and festivals across the country, most notably the Newport Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, South by Southwest Conference, Southern Womyn's Fest, and Michigan Womyn's Festival. Pamela is also a favorite at innumerable regional Gay Pride events, Take Back the Night rallies, and Black History Month celebrations. Pamela has shared the stage with artists including Ani DiFranco, Joan Baez, Neil Young, Shawn Colvin, Richie Havens, Patty Larkin, Melissa Ferrick, Violent Femmes, Pete Seeger, Janis Ian, and Holly Near.
Pamela's 2003 summer tour took her nationwide, promoting her fifth self-released album, Single Bullet Theory (Wirl Records, 2003), in which "...Means fires off what is easily one of the best musical summanations of our current political situation.." (Bay Area Reporter, San Francisco, CA)
Quoting her inspiration, Warrior Poet Audre Lorde, Pamela asks "I am myself- a Black woman warrior poet doing my work- come to ask you, are you doing yours?" With Truth as ammunition, a Pamela Means performance brings the fight for social justice and human dignity to the forefront of a new generation..
Difference
Pamela Means Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just let her say one word
But anger burns your guts away
What I need will not be heard
What I need will not be heard
Who's afraid of a woman
Learned to speak her mind
Vengeance is not blind
Vengeance is not blind
The silence will choke you
And rip you to shreds
The silence will keep all your enemies fed
Anger is poison if never revealed
Your silence will not shield you
Your silence will not shield you
Where did you learn just how to act
Why do your words seem an attack
You've become desensitized and out of touch
With other peoples lives who do not walk
In the same lines
Our differences will make us strong
We should stand together
Our difference will make us one
We should stand together
The lyrics of Pamela Means's "Difference" depict a sense of anger and frustration towards the societal norms and expectations placed upon individuals. It begins with the singer admitting that they were looking for a fight, but as the anger burns away, they realize that what they need will not be heard. The lyrics suggest that society silences individuals who speak out against injustice, especially if it comes from a woman. The verse "Who's afraid of a woman/Learned to speak her mind/You stand on the other side of justice" reveals this idea.
The chorus "The silence will choke you/And rip you to shreds/The silence will keep all your enemies fed/Anger is poison if never revealed/Your silence will not shield you" suggests that suppressing anger over injustice and societal expectations is toxic and can only harm the individual who keeps quiet. The lyrics encourage speaking up and standing together, for "Our differences will make us strong/We should stand together/Our difference will make us one".
Overall, "Difference" is a powerful call to action for individuals to break free from societal norms, speak their truth and stand together for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
I was lookin' for a fight that day
On that day, I was very eager and willing to get into an argument or physical altercation
Just let her say one word
All it would have taken is a single word from her to provoke me or trigger my anger
But anger burns your guts away
Frequent or intense anger can cause physical and emotional damage, such as ulcers or feeling drained
What I need will not be heard
My true needs or desires are not being recognized, listened to, or addressed by others
Who's afraid of a woman
Some people may fear or resist women who are independent, assertive, or vocal about their beliefs or needs
Learned to speak her mind
The woman in question has developed the ability and confidence to express herself and assert her opinions or feelings
You stand on the other side of justice
Your actions, beliefs, or values are in opposition to what is fair or right, according to the woman or other observers
Vengeance is not blind
Seeking revenge or payback can cloud your judgement, emotions, or motivation, and may not ultimately bring satisfaction or resolution
The silence will choke you
Choosing not to speak up or communicate your needs or feelings can cause you to feel suffocated or suppressed
And rip you to shreds
This silence can also harm you emotionally, mentally, or socially, by preventing you from forming meaningful connections or expressing your authenticity
The silence will keep all your enemies fed
Your refusal or inability to voice your opinions or stand up for yourself may allow others to take advantage of you or view you as weak or vulnerable
Anger is poison if never revealed
Suppressing or ignoring your anger or resentment can be harmful to your mental health and relationships, and may lead to greater conflict or negative consequences later on
Your silence will not shield you
Staying silent or remaining passive when faced with injustice or mistreatment will not protect you from harm or eradicate the root cause
Where did you learn just how to act
I am curious or critical about the social norms, expectations, or values that have shaped your behavior or worldview
Why do your words seem an attack
The woman in question may be using assertive or confrontational language to express herself, which may be perceived as aggressive or hostile by some people
You've become desensitized and out of touch
You may have lost sensitivity or empathy towards others, or have disconnected from the realities and struggles of people who are different from you
With other peoples lives who do not walk in the same lines
There are diverse and unique experiences, identities, and perspectives outside of your own that should be acknowledged and respected
Our differences will make us strong
Instead of fearing or rejecting diversity, embracing and valuing it can lead to greater strength, creativity, and resilience as a community
We should stand together
Rather than fighting against each other or ostracizing those who are different, we should unite and work towards common goals of equality, justice, and compassion
Our difference will make us one
Our unique identities, experiences, and perspectives can be united and celebrated under a shared vision of acceptance, inclusivity, and humanity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind