Bad Girl
The Striped Bandits Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Many miles and years
with stones between the gears
no anticipating the impact of trading
my truest self
for a hero on a bookshelf


I've put an armor-plate
on the shoulders of my fate
no more useless stating of what's got the highest rating
Gonna save myself
from the heroes on a bookshelf


I'm a bad girl
I'm a bad girl (whoa)
I'm a bad girl
I'm a bad girl
I'm gonna rock your world


I'll take a hammer and a mattock
to move from being static
and I'll make my own way, be it hard or come what may
don't mind scars on my hands
to escape these freaking quicksands


All the Liars squeezing juice
thinking I'm a stupid goose
keep your eyes wide open I'm no longer roped in
what you want
I'm my own living commandant


You can try to hold me down
But I'll keep flying all around
You can/might keep birds in a cage
But I'm turning onto a brand new page,

try to fix me
so try to stop me




try to fix me
ah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Bad Girl" by The Striped Bandits depict a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The singer reflects on the many miles and years they have traveled, acknowledging that they have placed obstacles between themselves and their true self. They describe the impact of trading their authentic nature for the idealized version of a hero found on a bookshelf. However, they reveal a newfound determination to break free from this facade and save themselves from the limitations imposed by society's expectations.


The lyrics further express the singer's rebellion against societal norms and their willingness to endure hardships in order to forge their own path. They use imagery of armor on the shoulders of fate, symbolizing their resilience and refusal to conform. With a hammer and a mattock, they vow to break free from their stagnant existence and embrace the challenges that come their way, even if it means bearing the scars of their efforts.


The chorus emphasizes their defiance and self-assuredness. By declaring themselves a "bad girl," they reject the notion of being confined or controlled by others. They assert their determination to rock the world and assert their independence, no longer allowing themselves to be fooled by the lies and manipulations of others.


Overall, "Bad Girl" is a song that embodies themes of self-empowerment, breaking free from societal constraints, and embracing one's true self.


Line by Line Meaning

Many miles and years
After a journey spanning a long period of time


with stones between the gears
dealing with obstacles that have hindered progress


no anticipating the impact of trading
unable to predict the consequences of exchanging


my truest self
my most authentic identity


for a hero on a bookshelf
for an idealized character in literature


I've put an armor-plate
I have protected myself


on the shoulders of my fate
on the path determined by destiny


no more useless stating of what's got the highest rating
no longer expressing things based on popularity


Gonna save myself
I will rescue my own being


from the heroes on a bookshelf
from idealized characters in literature


I'm a bad girl
I embody rebelliousness and defiance


I'm gonna rock your world
I will greatly influence and captivate you


I'll take a hammer and a mattock
I will use tools to break free from stagnation


to move from being static
to transition from a state of immobility


and I'll make my own way, be it hard or come what may
I will forge my own path, regardless of difficulty or uncertainty


don't mind scars on my hands
I am unfazed by physical reminders of struggle


to escape these freaking quicksands
to break free from these trap-like situations


All the Liars squeezing juice
All those who deceive and manipulate


thinking I'm a stupid goose
believing I am easily fooled


keep your eyes wide open I'm no longer roped in
be vigilant, I am no longer controlled or fooled


what you want
your desires or expectations


I'm my own living commandant
I am the one in control of my own life


You can try to hold me down
You may attempt to restrain me


But I'll keep flying all around
But I will continue to soar freely


You can/might keep birds in a cage
You have/have the ability to confine birds


But I'm turning onto a brand new page
But I am embarking on a fresh start


try to fix me
attempt to alter me


so try to stop me
then try to impede my progress


try to fix me
try to mend or change me


ah
an expression indicating defiance or determination




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Scott Fletcher Horton, Sona Kilianova

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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