Elephants
Navigating Fragility: Elephants in the Room
Lyrics
Walk with a purpose through the parking lot
Walking with confidence through the parking lot.
Keys 'tween your knuckles cause you aint got claws
Using keys as a makeshift defense because there are no natural claws.
Rememberin' when your daddy taught you that
Recalling a lesson from the father about being cautious, especially around boys.
Boys will be boys you gotta watch your back
Being aware that boys may pose a threat, and one must be vigilant.
Sittin' there drinkin at the bar alone
Sitting alone at the bar, attracting unwanted attention.
Sharks come circle wanna take you home
Facing advances from individuals who may be predatory (sharks).
Better not play coy, better be not be mean
Advising not to act coy, but also warning against being mean due to the fragility of boys.
Boys will be boys and they are fragile things
Highlighting the fragility of boys and the need to handle them delicately.
They got names for the ones who talk back
Referring to the negative labels given to those who resist or speak up.
And the ones who wear those clothes
Labeling those who wear certain clothes with potentially derogatory terms.
They got names for the ones who say yes
Noting that even saying "yes" can lead to negative labels.
And the ones who say no
Acknowledging the societal judgment faced by those who say "no."
Hey baby why you gotta be that way?
Questioning why someone has to behave in a certain way.
Gimme a smile you got a pretty face
Requesting a smile based on physical appearance.
There are things you do and things you can't
Commenting on the limitations and restrictions on one's actions.
Live quiet as a mouse in a room full of elephants
Expressing the difficulty of staying unnoticed in a challenging or oppressive environment.
Lookin' so handsome in his Sunday best
Complimenting someone's appearance in formal attire.
He said he's sorry you know the rest
Apologizing for inappropriate behavior, suggesting forgiveness.
Shouldn't really blame him he's just a kid
Justifying a boy's actions based on his age, despite potential wrongdoing.
Boys will be boys don't call him what he is
Excusing inappropriate behavior with the phrase "boys will be boys."
But they got names for the ones who talk back
Reiterating the negative labels for those who resist or talk back.
And the ones who wear those clothes
Reinforcing the stereotyping based on clothing choices.
They got names for the ones who say yes
Pointing out the judgment faced by those who say "yes."
And the ones who say no
Highlighting the societal criticism directed at those who say "no."
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