Meaning of All Of The Women by Allison Russell

She's been a fixture as long as I've lived here

Describing a woman who has been a constant presence in the narrator's community.

On the corner most every night for the last six years

Emphasizing the woman's regular presence on a street corner for the past six years.

When she's not there

Highlighting the absence of the woman and the narrator's concern when she is not around.

When she's not there

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When she's not there

Reiteration of the narrator's worry when the woman is not present.

I worry about her

Expressing genuine concern for the woman's well-being.

Worry about her

Repetition of the narrator's worry about the woman.

I think of all of the women

Reflecting on all women who have disappeared, possibly addressing broader societal issues.

All of the women

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All of the women

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Who disappear

Emphasizing the theme of women disappearing, suggesting a deeper societal problem.

Who disappear

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We've made friendly acquaintance, sometimes we talk

Describing a friendly relationship between the narrator and the woman.

She likes the way that I smile

Highlighting the woman's appreciation for the narrator's smile and singing as they interact.

And sing as I walk

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I like her fabulous outfits, the proud way she moves

Expressing admiration for the woman's fashion and acknowledging her past as a dancer.

She says, "I used to be a dancer

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Some grace you don't lose

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Some grace you don't lose

Emphasizing that some aspects of grace persist despite life's challenges.

I made some choices, some were made for me

Acknowledging the woman's life choices and the resilience she displays for survival.

For the way I survive, I make no apology

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Everybody and somebody don't always meet up

Describing the narrator's role as a source of salvation for those facing challenges and living truthfully.

I'm the salvation for those left without

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For those left without living small lies

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What I provide, can't be measured in nickels and dimes

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In nickels and dimes"

Emphasizing that the narrator's contribution cannot be measured in material terms.

I ask, "What about the bad dates, don't you ever get scared?"

Asking about the woman's experiences with bad dates and her response indicating resilience.

"Well I've had my share, honey, but it's fear I can bear

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It's fear I can bear

Reiterating the woman's ability to bear fear and face challenges with strength.

'Cause I'm stronger than eggshells, I'm tougher than luck

Highlighting the woman's toughness, resilience, and ability to withstand adversity.

Never been despised so much or hit so hard, or hit so hard

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I couldn't get back up (I couldn't get back up)

Describing a moment of extreme hardship where the woman couldn't immediately recover.

I couldn't get back up (I couldn't get back up)

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I couldn't get back up"

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She's been a fixture as long as I've lived here

Repetition of the woman's consistent presence on a street corner for the past six years.

On the corner most every night for the last six years

-

When she's not there

Reiteration of the narrator's worry when the woman is absent from the street corner.

When she's not there

-

When she's not there

-

I worry about her

Expressing ongoing concern for the woman's well-being.

I worry about her

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Think of all of the women (all of the women)

Repetition and emphasis on thinking about all women who disappear, suggesting a broader societal issue.