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What NO Means
Shannon Murray Lyrics
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How do you look so proud
How do you stand so tall
How do you???
She couldn't take it anymore looking at your face
When you go out at night
How do you look so proud
How do you stand so tall
How do you???
She was a saint yeah she'd forgive anyone anything
But I am different, I am different you see
I am no angel yeah I have my own fantasies
Of tying you up to a dumpster in some dark alley
I'll teach you what no means
I'll teach you what no mean
When you go out at night
How do you look so proud
How do you stand so tall
How do you???
The lyrics to Shannon Murray's song "What NO Means" depict the feeling of powerlessness and frustration that can come with being a victim of sexual harassment, assault, or abuse. The singer speaks of a friend who could no longer bear to be around the person being addressed in the song. This individual is described as looking proud and standing tall, as though they have done nothing wrong. The singer, on the other hand, has fantasies of violent retribution.
The line "I'll teach you what no means" is a powerful one, as it suggests that the person being addressed does not understand the concept of consent. The singer is implying that they will use force to ensure that this person learns what it means to be told "no." This is likely a response to the frustration of having said "no" in the past and not being respected. It is a call to action for other victims of harassment and assault to assert themselves and their boundaries.
Overall, the lyrics to "What NO Means" are a poignant reminder of the reality of sexual harassment and assault, and the need to stand up for oneself in the face of it.
Line by Line Meaning
When you go out at night
How do you have the audacity to go out at night?
How do you look so proud
How do you show off your deplorable self with such confidence?
How do you stand so tall
How do you walk and move through the world, so oblivious to the harm you bring?
How do you???
How do you get away with it all?
'Cause I had a friend but she had to go away
My friend couldn't take being near you and had to leave.
She couldn't take it anymore looking at your face
Your appearance and behavior is so disgusting that it caused my friend to leave.
She was a saint yeah she'd forgive anyone anything
My friend had a heart of gold and was forgiving to a fault.
But I am different, I am different you see
I won't tolerate the actions and words that come out of your mouth.
I am no angel yeah I have my own fantasies
I have dark thoughts and desires of retribution for what you've done.
Of tying you up to a dumpster in some dark alley
I have violent fantasies of taking revenge on you in a grimy, unsavory location.
I'll teach you what no means
I'll make sure you understand what 'no' means, even if it has to be by force.
I'll teach you what no mean
I'll show you the true meaning of 'no': a hard, unbreakable boundary.
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.