Good Girl
The Go-Go's Lyrics

The Go-Go's's song "Good Girl" explores the societal pressure placed on women to conform to expectations and be pleasing to others. The lyrics describe the singer's desire to be liked and accepted by everyone, even if it means putting aside her own feelings and opinions. She vows to be a "good girl" by doing what others tell her to do, playing the games they choose, smiling until it hurts, bending over backwards, and swallowing her anger. She is willing to do whatever it takes, even getting down on her knees and begging, just to be loved.

The repetition of the phrase "good girl" reinforces the theme of societal expectation and reinforces the idea that women are expected to be compliant and pleasing to others. The use of "good dog" further emphasizes this idea, as a dog is an obedient animal that is trained to do what it is told. The chorus's upbeat melody and catchy rhythm juxtapose the lyrics' melancholy and resigned tone, emphasizing the conflict between societal expectation and individual desire.

Overall, "Good Girl" is a poignant exploration of the pressures society places on women to conform to specific expectations and the consequences of submitting to these expectations. The song highlights the importance of being true to oneself, despite the societal expectations and pressure.