Sue and Dee, who met while students in Liverpool, took stage-names from the words for: a writer's pen name, "nom de plume" (Dee Plume) and an assumed name, "pseudonym" (Sue Denim).
Girl
Robots in Disguise Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Speak to us s'if we got germs
And label us with junior terms
I'm a dog I'm a pig I'm a cow I'm a bird (Tweet Tweet)
Your tongue twists ans scars
I need these tags like stabs in the heart
Names for my sex - Oh Blah Blah Blah
I'm a slag I'm a slut I'm a tramp I'm a tart
It's not a dirty word
C'mon use it dream it choose t own it sign it scream it
G-I-R-L - GIRL!!
We're a double X and proud of it
So vexed -Shan't mind our language
With the F word - F for feminist
I'm a doll I'm a witch I'm a peach I'm a bitch
Hands up 'f u wanna be in our gang
Cos ladies need a modern vocab
and for starters snatch the old school slang
I'm a twat I'm a bag I'm a cunt I'm a shag
The song "Girl" by Robots in Disguise is a powerful commentary on the language used to describe women and the societal perceptions attached to these labels. The song's lyrics start with a statement against people who throw around derogatory words and judge others for their actions. The singer then goes on to say that she has been called various animal names and also verbally attacked with acid-tongued labels for expressing her sexuality.
The next set of lyrics is a call for taking ownership of these labels and reclaiming their power. It's an encouragement for women to use language as a tool for empowerment and to change the perception of traditional gender roles. The chorus is simple yet effective, spelling out the word "GIRL" as an anthem declaring the power behind being a woman.
The second verse conveys another message, that women should be proud of their double X chromosomes and unashamed to use explicit language to express themselves. It's an anthem for feminists fighting against the societal standards and gender inequality. The song ends with a challenge, inviting listeners to raise their hands and join the female gang in fighting against the language and societal expectations of femininity.
Line by Line Meaning
You like to throw up words
You enjoy using insulting and offensive language towards us.
Speak to us s'if we got germs
You talk to us as if we're disgusting and infectious.
And label us with junior terms
And you give us childish and immature labels.
I'm a dog I'm a pig I'm a cow I'm a bird (Tweet Tweet)
You call me a variety of different insulting names, like an animal or bird.
Your tongue twists ans scars
Your words are hurtful and damaging.
I need these tags like stabs in the heart
I feel hurt by these names you call me, like I'm being stabbed in the heart.
Names for my sex - Oh Blah Blah Blah
You use derogatory language to describe women, as if it's not a serious issue.
I'm a slag I'm a slut I'm a tramp I'm a tart
You use words like 'slag,' 'slut,' 'tramp,' and 'tart' to insult women.
It's not a dirty word
Using these derogatory terms is not acceptable.
C'mon use it dream it choose t own it sign it scream it
You should use words that empower and inspire you, rather than those that belittle and degrade you.
G-I-R-L - GIRL!!
Being a girl is something to be proud of.
We're a double X and proud of it
We are women and we are proud of it.
So vexed -Shan't mind our language
We won't apologize for using strong language to defend ourselves and other women.
With the F word - F for feminist
We use the term 'feminist' proudly and passionately.
I'm a doll I'm a witch I'm a peach I'm a bitch
We refuse to be defined by others' insults; we'll embrace whatever labels we choose for ourselves.
Hands up 'f u wanna be in our gang
Join our group if you want to be a part of a community of supportive, empowered women.
Cos ladies need a modern vocab
We need to create new, empowering language for women.
and for starters snatch the old school slang
We should replace derogatory, outdated language with new, empowering terms.
I'm a twat I'm a bag I'm a cunt I'm a shag
We won't let derogatory language hold us back, even if it comes at us from all angles.
Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lothquendi
I love how well Noel fits in with rock stars even though he's a comedian. It just makes sense somehow.
@bobfromberlin
Man... time flies! Saw them back then, when they played in Berlin. Still the best concert I attended in my life so far. I am absolutely hetero, but I sang along to this song, because I had so much fun. Remember a girl in the row in front of me looking around and smiling when she saw me going crazy. Probably thought I really identify as a "Girl". Hope to see IAMX soon, as I actually wanted to see Chris live since back then, when I discovered them one after another. That would actually be like a travel back to these good old days...
@DizPunch
I'm never getting sick of this video!! I have to watch it at least once a day :D
@kimcucos5431
This is by far one of my favorite songs by them and it’s not on iTunes. The sadness is real.
@Pfefferminzeis
I love this song and i love this video ! Too sad that both of them aren't together anymore :/
@faoncat
nice to see how many people are actually appreciating sue and dee
@JenFrusciante
I wish there was more videos like this. I love it!!! <3
@jjackesr
I Love Robots in Disguise since 2008 <3
@cathy168
I saw them on monday too!! They were fantastic!! I hope i can see them again!! Preferably in london, since the walk there felt like the longest journey in the existence of journeys--but it was worth it!!
@cezzie901
Love Sue and Dee!! They're great!! Gotta love the expression on Noel's face at 2.57 aswell!!!