Masculine Women Feminine Men
The Savoy Havana Band Lyrics
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Which is the rooster?
Which is the hen?
It′s hard to tell them apart today
And say, sister is busy learning to shave
Brother just loves his feminine ways
It's hard to tell them apart today, hey hey
Girls were girls and boys were boys when I was a tot
Now we don′t know who is who
Or even what's what
Knickers and trousers, baggy and wide
Nobody knows who's walking inside
Those masculine women and feminine men
The song "Masculine Women Feminine Men" by The Savoy Havana Band explores the shifting gender norms and roles in society during the time it was written. The lyrics reflect on the confusion and inability to distinguish between traditionally masculine women and feminine men. The first verse poses the question of who is the dominant figure, the "rooster" or the submissive figure, the "hen," as gender roles become blurred. This ambiguity is emphasized by the line "It's hard to tell them apart today," suggesting that societal expectations of gender presentation and behavior are changing.
The second verse further emphasizes the confusion by stating that in the past, girls were unmistakably girls, and boys were unmistakably boys. However, the present reality is that it has become challenging to determine who is who and what defines one's gender. The uncertainty is mirrored with the line "Now we don't know who is who or even what's what," indicating a growing societal struggle to categorize individuals based on traditional gender stereotypes.
In the third verse, the lyrics shift to describe the physical appearance of individuals. The mention of "Knickers and trousers, baggy and wide" alludes to the clothing choices that no longer conform to traditional gender expectations. The line "Nobody knows who's walking inside" highlights the increasing difficulty in identifying someone's gender based solely on their outward appearance. The phrase "masculine women and feminine men" further reinforces the blurring of gender boundaries as more individuals defy the societal norms associated with their biological sex.
Overall, "Masculine Women Feminine Men" captures the sentiments of a changing society, where rigid gender roles are beginning to be challenged and replaced by a more fluid understanding of gender identity and expression. The lyrics serve as a commentary on the confusion society may experience when faced with these evolving concepts, ultimately inviting contemplation and questioning of traditional gender norms.
Line by Line Meaning
Masculine women, feminine men
Women who exhibit traditionally masculine traits, and men who exhibit traditionally feminine traits
Which is the rooster?
Which person in the relationship is taking on the dominant or leading role?
Which is the hen?
Which person in the relationship is taking on the submissive or supporting role?
It's hard to tell them apart today
In contemporary society, it is increasingly challenging to distinguish between individuals who defy traditional gender roles
And say, sister is busy learning to shave
Even sisters are now engaging in activities traditionally associated with men, like learning to shave
Brother just loves his feminine ways
On the other hand, brothers embrace and enjoy expressing their feminine qualities
It's hard to tell them apart today, hey hey
Once again, it is difficult to differentiate individuals based on their gender presentation
Girls were girls and boys were boys when I was a tot
When I was young, gender roles were clearly defined, and boys and girls behaved accordingly
Now we don't know who is who
In the present, it has become uncertain and confusing to determine someone's gender from their appearance
Or even what's what
Additionally, it has become challenging to understand or define traditional gender norms
Knickers and trousers, baggy and wide
Different types of clothing, both traditionally associated with specific genders, are now worn by individuals of any gender
Nobody knows who's walking inside
It is impossible to determine someone's gender identity solely by observing their outward appearance
Those masculine women and feminine men
Referring once again to individuals who do not conform to traditional gender stereotypes
Writer(s): Edgar Leslie, James Monaco
Contributed by Nicholas E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@andresmanuel2051
Crazy that in 2024 fits todays people perfectly
@davidglow3
The composer wrote this song as a comment on the many gay folk in 1920s London society.and the many underground clubs and bars that thrived at the time
@milascave2
Not just London. Paris, Berlin, New York, LA, San Francisco, etc.
The GBLT scene in Berlin was HUGE.
@bill3murr
Great version.....lots of pep. Love the photos as well. Thanks for sharing.
@TaliPolk
interesting how 100 years later people are still saying this. girls were girls and boys were boys when i was a tot? clearly not!
@taraquinch1256
Oh the “ Roaring Twenties”😊😊
@deewesthill6966
I love this lively and fun song! It's outrageous that it was ever censored and banned from the airwaves!
@MichaelDembinski
Many thanks! Intro and outro of this version used in John Betjeman's Metro-Land (1973) - the Wembley Pleasure Park sequence. Been looking for this for FOUR DECADES!
@gmmix
GREAT sound reproduction and interesting graphics.
@Hyattma
This the version I have been looking for!! Off are you being served!!!