Girls Don't Do That
Breaking Stereotypes: Empowering Anthem by June Caravel
Lyrics
Girls don't do that
Girls are not expected to engage in a certain activity or behavior.
No girls don't do that
Reiteration that societal norms dictate what girls should not do.
No girls don't do that
Further emphasis on the societal expectations for girls.
No girls don't do that
Continued emphasis on what is considered inappropriate for girls.
My mother said
Recalling advice from the speaker's mother regarding gender-specific activities.
Don't play with cars
Specifically, girls are discouraged from playing with cars.
Don't play with tools
Girls are advised not to engage in activities traditionally associated with boys.
Don't play with dirt
Girls are discouraged from getting dirty and engaging in activities deemed 'unfeminine.'
Cos girls don't do that
Reiteration of the societal expectation that girls should conform to certain behaviors.
No girls don't do that
Restating the societal norm that restricts girls from certain activities.
Cos girls don't do that
Highlighting the conformity expected from girls in terms of behavior.
No girls don't do that
Reaffirming the societal restrictions on what girls should not do.
My mother said
Another instance of the speaker recalling advice from their mother.
You can be a nurse
Suggesting acceptable career options for girls, excluding certain professions like firefighting.
A teacher, a baker, a waitress, a singer, a dancer
List of acceptable professions for girls according to societal norms.
but not a fireman
Highlighting a specific profession (fireman) considered unsuitable for girls.
Can I be a firewoman then ? No !
Expressing a desire to challenge gender norms by suggesting the possibility of being a "firewoman."
Cos girls don't do that
Reiterating the societal expectations regarding girls' behavior.
No girls don't do that
Restating the societal norm that restricts girls from certain activities.
Oh girls don't do that
Expressing disapproval of girls deviating from societal expectations.
No girls don't do that
Reaffirming the societal restrictions on what girls should not do.
My mother said
Yet another instance of the speaker recalling advice from their mother.
Don't pretend to be a boy
Girls are advised against pretending to be boys, reinforcing gender roles.
Don't be a nerd
Discouraging girls from adopting behaviors perceived as intellectually unconventional (being a nerd).
Let them play with their toys
Encouraging girls to let boys play with their traditionally male-oriented toys.
And if she had told me
The speaker reflects on what might have happened if their mother had given them more freedom in choosing a career.
I could be anything
Speculating on the impact of being told that one can be anything regardless of gender.
Would that really make me
Pondering whether such freedom would lead to being labeled a tomboy or similar.
A tomboy or something?
Expressing uncertainty about the consequences of breaking traditional gender roles.
Now I know...
Realizing that societal expectations should not limit one's choices.
That girls can do what
A declaration that girls have the capability to pursue what they genuinely desire.
Yes what they feel like
Affirming that girls can choose to do whatever they feel passionate about.
No mum can hold that
Challenging the idea that a mother's influence can dictate a person's choices.
so be what you like
Encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves despite societal expectations.
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