Run Fast
The Julie Ruin Lyrics

we were called sluts from the time we were five
Our sexuality was judged and labeled from an extremely young age.

and teased so fucking bad that we thought we would die
The emotional pain of constant bullying was crushing and felt life-threatening.

we were the girls in tight jeans who always walked alone
Our choices in fashion and behavior set us apart from the crowd and left us feeling isolated.

and rode our bikes late at night to avoid going home
We sought refuge outside of our homes, where we didn't feel safe or accepted.

we numbed ourselves out on peppermint schnapps
We turned to alcohol at a young age to cope with the pain and to escape reality.

and super-sized sundaes with chocolate sauce
We also found solace in food, especially when it offered a temporary distraction from our troubles.

we stole cheap locks from the hardware store
We were resourceful in finding ways to protect ourselves from danger and create a sense of privacy.

and put 'em up with butter knives on our bedroom doors
We used whatever tools we had available to fortify our personal spaces.

we ran so fast
We were constantly on the move, both physically and emotionally, in order to escape our painful realities.

in the movie they show us in each other's arms
Pop culture romanticizes female friendships, but the reality was often more lonely and painful.

but the truth is we almost always cried alone
We didn't have a shoulder to cry on, and had to bear our pain in isolation.

we gave handjobs quick and always with a smile
We were forced to engage in sexual behavior in order to be accepted, but had to hide our discomfort.

so it didn't get too weird and we didn't have to die
We performed these acts out of fear, to avoid being physically or emotionally harmed.

we lived in light switches and painted walls
Our physical surroundings were humble, but we made them feel like home with our creativity.

and spent too many hours at the food court at the mall
We found refuge and connection in public spaces, where we could bond with others who were different like us.

we smoked pin joints under fluorescent lights
We experimented with drugs in order to explore our minds and experiences outside of societal norms.

and wore shorts at the beach just to hide our thighs
We had body image issues that were perpetuated by societal beauty standards.

years later we'd be told that we weren't real punks
Our authenticity would be called into question by those who didn't understand our experiences and choices.

by boys in bands who acted like our dads when they were drunk
The gatekeepers of a subculture often perpetuate the harmful societal attitudes that they claim to reject.

and they can all brag now 'bout how they were there
Those who were once dismissive would later try to take credit for our contributions to the culture.

when we took over the stage and took our fair share
We fought hard to make our voices heard and to claim space in a world that was hostile to us.

but whatever the truth in the end we made
Despite the challenges we faced, we were able to create something meaningful and lasting.

tiny islands where we didn't always have to be afraid
We formed communities where we could feel safe and supported, even in the face of adversity.

and an X will forever mark the spot
Our legacy and impact will be felt for generations to come, and will never be forgotten.

where we decided we'd had just about enough
We reached our breaking point and used that as impetus to create change and fight for our rights and freedoms.

we ran so fast
We never gave up the fight, and always raced towards a better future.