Medusa
Sheila Nicholls Lyrics

Medusa woke up one day and shaved her head
Medusa tries to get closer to people by changing her appearance, but in doing so, she has lost her identity and doesn't know who she is anymore.

Well maybe now you'll let me a little closer she said
Medusa hopes that by shaving her head, people will see her in a different light and allow her to get closer to them.

But she just sacrificed her identity instead
Despite her efforts, Medusa realizes that she has lost her sense of self and doesn't know who she is anymore.

Be careful how you trend
This line warns people to be careful about the trends they follow because they can affect their identity and sense of self.

Be careful how you tread
The song reminds listeners to be cautious about their choices in life because they can lead to unforeseen consequences.

Medusa went home again and watched TV
Medusa turns to television as a way to escape from reality and find some solace.

A commercial for deodorant, tampons, so now we won't smell see
The commercial exploits women's insecurities and makes them feel ashamed of their natural bodily functions.

Said the sister with the plastic smile, excitement, and glee
The woman in the commercial appears happy and excited despite promoting shame and insecurity among women.

Buy your shame for free
This line implies that society commodifies women's insecurities and sells them back to them as products.

And all the smiles that we spill
This line refers to the false smiles that women put on in order to fit in and conform to societal expectations.

Because it's part of the drill
Women feel like they have to put on false smiles and pretend to be happy as part of the social norm and expectations placed upon them.

The shame that we bear
Women are often made to feel ashamed of their bodies and natural functions, which leads to a sense of discomfort and self-doubt.

For the floors that aren't there
Women are expected to uphold an unrealistic standard of cleanliness and perfection, leading to anxiety and self-doubt.

The unfulfilled will we dismiss
People often ignore or dismiss their own unfulfilled desires and unmet needs, which can have negative consequences on mental health.

For a savior, a kiss
People often look for external sources of validation or affection to fill the void left by unmet needs and desires.

The memories we repress ... when we undress
People often have traumatic memories or experiences that they repress or suppress, only to have them resurface in vulnerable or intimate moments.

She went channel surfing
Medusa continues to search for a sense of meaning and purpose by mindlessly flipping through TV channels.

And all that was seen
The media constantly bombards people with unrealistic expectations and unattainable beauty standards.

Were decorative women arrive on the screen
Women in the media are often objectified and seen only as decorative objects to be looked at and admired.

Conventional images of adolescent male dreams
The media often perpetuates conventional, patriarchal ideals of beauty and femininity that cater to male fantasies and desires.

When men aren't around they fall apart at the seams
Women are expected to maintain a certain image or persona in the presence of men, but often struggle to maintain this facade when alone or with female peers.

Passive exposed
Women are often portrayed as passive and submissive objects of male desire in the media.

Peaches and cream survive like an object to blow off your steam
Women are expected to be a source of pleasure or stress relief for men, and are often objectified and used for these purposes.

Interchangeable fragments
Women are reduced to interchangeable, disposable objects in the media, rather than being valued for their individuality and unique qualities.

And outlines and shapes
The media often reduces women to their physical appearance rather than recognizing their complexity and depth as human beings.

They say no they mean yes to little girl rapes
This line refers to the dangerous myth that women sometimes 'enjoy' or secretly want to be raped - a myth that leads to victim-blaming and excuses for sexual violence.

The rage trapped inside
This line alludes to the anger and frustration that many women feel in response to societal expectations and systemic oppression.

Smothered and dried
This line implies that women's anger is often suppressed or invalidated, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair.

The words that we use
This line refers to the language and discourse around gender and sexism that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and oppression.

They divide and abuse
The language and discourse around gender can be used to divide people and reinforce power dynamics that are harmful and oppressive.

The wound between women keeps the war-mongers grinning
This line refers to the idea that women are often pitted against each other and made to compete, which serves to benefit those in power who want to maintain the status quo.

The war between women stops recovery beginning
When women compete and tear each other down, it prevents them from coming together and healing the wounds caused by sexism and oppression.

Medusa grew her hair back
Medusa eventually realizes that changing her appearance won't help her find meaning or connect with others, and decides to embrace her natural self.

Around her face
Medusa finds comfort and peace in her own skin, embracing her own identity rather than trying to fit into societal norms.

She'd been looking for alignment in the wrong place
Medusa realizes that she was trying to find acceptance and validation from others, when what she really needed was to accept and love herself.

So she called up her friends
Medusa finds support and camaraderie in her group of friends, who help her on her journey of self-discovery and healing.

Malcom x and collie
The line refers to influential figures in history who fought for justice and equality, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for Medusa.

And they go on a plane
Medusa and her friends embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, leaving behind the societal norms and expectations that hold them back.

Cocked off too ...
The final line of the song is left open-ended, implying that Medusa and her friends don't know where their journey will take them, but they are open to new experiences and possibilities.