It’s #SongLyricsSunday! Today’s prompt is to find a song that begins with the letters “D” and “J”. What did I pick? I picked one of my favorite No Doubt songs, “I’m Just a Girl”. Check out the song and its background below!
(#SongLyricsSunday is a weekly prompt hosted by the wonderful Jim. Anyone can join! More details on how to join at the end of the post!)
‘Cause I’m Just a Girl
“I’m Just a Girl” was a 1995 single from No Doubt’s iconic debut album Tragic Kingdom, from which a previously mentioned song “Don’t Speak” came from. The first single off the album, “I’m Just a Girl” was written by the band’s main vocalist Gwen Stefani and guitarist Tom Dumont. Though, I think Stefani wrote most of the lyrics as she was one who chose the theme: “being frustrated at her father being overprotective due to her gender”.[1] It was also Stefani’s first song that she wrote without her brother, who left the band earlier in the year due to creative differences.
I can could really relate to this song as I got really frustrated at my dad’s overprotective nature and how he tried to dictate my life when I was younger. He also micro-managed my life too. It was so annoying. That is why I kind of left the house at age 22 but also move to another country (though I do love Japan and it was my desire to live here when I was younger).
Funny thing is that when I played this single at my parent’s house when I was 16 years old, I played it loud enough that my dad to notice it. I don’t remember exactly what his exact reaction was but he just lightly laughed at the context of the song. Nevertheless, I still love this song as it just gives me a boost in confidence as I am independent and I can do whatever I want, in any way I want.
What do you think of the song? How can you relate to it? Listen to it and let me know what you think in the comments!
Fun Fact; According to SongFacts[1], “When playing this at a Virgin Megastore in Costa Mesa, California, lead singer Gwen Stefani’s mother asked her not to swear because their relatives were present. When Gwen swore, her mother refused to speak to her for a week.”
Lyrics for No Doubt’s “Just a Girl”
Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I’m exposed, and it’s no big surprise
Don’t you think I know exactly where I stand?
This world is forcing me to hold your hand
‘Cause I’m just a girl, oh, little old me
Well, don’t let me out of your sight
Oh, I’m just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don’t let me have any rights
Oh, I’ve had it up to here
The moment that I step outside
So many reasons for me to run and hide
I can’t do the little things I hold so dear
‘Cause it’s all those little things that I fear
‘Cause I’m just a girl, I’d rather not be
‘Cause they won’t let me drive late at night
Oh, I’m just a girl, guess I’m some kind of freak
‘Cause they all sit and stare with their eyes
Oh, I’m just a girl, take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype
Oh, I’ve had it up to here
Oh, am I making myself clear?
I’m just a girl
I’m just a girl in the world
That’s all that you’ll let me be
Oh, I’m just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb makes me worrisome
Oh, I’m just a girl, what’s my destiny?
What I’ve succumbed to is making me numb
Oh, I’m just a girl, my apologies
What I’ve become is so burdensome
Oh, I’m just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum, there’s no comparison
Oh, I’ve had it up to
Oh, I’ve had it up to
Oh, I’ve had it up to here
The Rules
If you want to participate, here are the rules:
- Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not.
- Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due.
- Make sure you also credit the singer/band and if you desire you can provide a link to where you found the lyrics.
- Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song.
- Ping back to this post will eventually work, as long as you are being patient, but you can also place your link in the comments if you don’t like to wait.
- Read at least one other person’s blog, so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process.
- Feel free to suggest future prompts.
- Have fun and enjoy the music.
