A Girl Don
Wanda Jackson Lyrics


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I know what you're doing and I'll save you the trouble
I saw you wink for the waiter to slip me a double
If you want some barroom swinger I'm not the one
'Cause I don't think a girl's gotta drink to have fun
Mama said when I went out in the world drinking ain't the thing for a sweet young girl
I didn't listen then but now I'm here to shout
That my dear old mama knew what she was talkin' about
So if you want another round just order one
'Cause I don't think a girl's gotta drink to have fun

Don't bother bringing a bottle when you call
'Cause I like my kisses straight or not at all
I want to be sure I remember everyone
And I don't think a girl's gotta drink to have fun




Mama said when I went out...
No I don't think a girl's gotta drink to have fun

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wanda Jackson's song A Girl Don condemn the idea that a young woman has to succumb to the societal pressure of drinking and partying in order to have fun. The song is a reflection of the artist's upbringing and the values that her mother instilled in her. She speaks directly to a man who is trying to impress her with buying her drinks and taking her to bars, making it clear that she doesn't need alcohol to enjoy herself or have a good time. She also states that she wants to remember everything that happens and doesn't want to be clouded by alcohol's effects.


The lyrics are a powerful statement against the pervasive idea in society that drinking and partying are the only ways to have fun. Through the lens of a young woman, Wanda Jackson illustrates that there are other ways to enjoy oneself and that it's okay to stand up for one's values and convictions. The song pushes back against the notion that femininity and youth are synonymous with reckless behavior and immorality.


The song was particularly notable in its time as it was released in the 1950s, a time when gender roles were much stricter and there were fewer opportunities for women to speak out and assert themselves. A Girl Don is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today, particularly as discussions around gender and alcohol consumption remain prevalent.


Line by Line Meaning

I know what you're doing and I'll save you the trouble
I am well aware of your intentions and you don't have to put in any effort to persuade me.


I saw you wink for the waiter to slip me a double
I noticed you signaling the waiter to give me a double, but it's not necessary because I am not interested.


If you want some barroom swinger I'm not the one
If you are looking for a party girl who likes to drink and hang out at bars, I am not the right person for you.


'Cause I don't think a girl's gotta drink to have fun
I believe that girls don't need to drink to have a good time and enjoy themselves.


Mama said when I went out in the world drinking ain't the thing for a sweet young girl
My mother warned me that drinking is not appropriate for a young and innocent girl like me.


I didn't listen then but now I'm here to shout
I didn't pay attention to my mother's advice at first, but now I firmly believe in what she told me.


That my dear old mama knew what she was talkin' about
I now realize and appreciate that my mother was wise and knew what she was saying.


So if you want another round just order one
If you want to keep drinking, feel free to order another round, but I won't be joining you.


'Cause I don't think a girl's gotta drink to have fun
Once again, I don't believe that drinking is necessary for girls to have a good time.


Don't bother bringing a bottle when you call
When you come to see me, don't bring any alcohol, because I am not interested in drinking.


'Cause I like my kisses straight or not at all
I prefer my kisses to be genuine and not influenced by alcohol or other substances.


I want to be sure I remember everyone
I want to be fully conscious and remember every moment, so I can enjoy it to the fullest.


And I don't think a girl's gotta drink to have fun
Once again, I firmly believe that girls can have fun without drinking.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@alexarolasgarcia1747

Esta buena canción la canto WANDA JACKSON en el año 1968

@jeanmariebasset

un bon conseil

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