Lyrics
Why I Say No -
Expressing the refusal or rejection of something
Back when I was young
Reflecting on the speaker's youth
I thought it was clever
Believing that a particular behavior was clever
To stand up like my mama My head up like I mean it
Emulating the confident posture of the speaker's mother
And if I cross my legs Will I be like the others? And if I stand up straight Will I climb, climb, climb? To the top
Questioning the impact of certain physical actions on social perception and success
Where I'm not
Describing a desire to be in a place where the speaker is not currently
That's why I say no
Reiterating the decision to say "no" to certain expectations or pressures
I guess I'm just insane
Acknowledging a sense of being different or unconventional
Yeah I'm told I've got no brain
Referencing comments about lacking intelligence
If I smile I'll be perfect
Exploring the idea of achieving perfection through conformity
Then I'll die with purpose
Connecting conformity and perfection to a sense of purpose and mortality
I'll force my smile
Expressing a willingness to fake happiness or compliance
I'll fix my hair
Addressing personal grooming as part of conforming to societal expectations
Clean up my house
Emphasizing the need to tidy up and conform to societal norms
Shut up right now
Commanding oneself to be silent immediately
I'll think about the good I've done
Reflecting on positive actions or deeds done in the past
Say "yes" and breathe when I am done
Committing to saying "yes" and taking a breath after completing a task
And if I cross my legs Will I be like the others? And if I stand up straight Will I climb, climb, climb? To the top
Repeating the earlier questioning of the impact of physical actions on success
Where I'm not
Reiterating the desire to be in a different, presumably better, place
That's why I say no
Reaffirming the decision to say "no" to certain societal expectations or pressures
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