I'm Just a Girl... No Doubt
1. Who created the ad/music? This song was written by Gwen Stefani and performed by her and her band No Doubt. It came out in 1995 on their Tragic Kingdom album. She said that it was inspired by her father getting mad at her for driving late at night, and just her perspective being a girl in a man’s world.
2. What creative techniques were used? This is a classic ska song of the 90’s. It is easy to dance to, sing with, and rock out to. It has a powerful chorus, catchy tune, and great music.
3. How might different people interpret this message differently than me? This song is generally seen as a feminist anthem by pointing out the stereotypes sometimes placed on women as being frail and needing protection. In the song she calls out this treatment with sarcasm, saying how as a girl, she needs to hold his hand and stay within the limits placed on her, and exclaiming how sick and tired she is of that treatment.
I suppose some might look at this and think the opposite, that is someone whining about their position and what they can do. Some might not see or feel the sarcasm in the lyrics or performance and believe that that is a woman’s place.
4. What viewpoints or world views are included or left out of this message? This is being shown from the perspective of a woman who feels the pressure of societal expectations and restrictions. This song is touted as a feminism anthem to celebrate the power women have and how they are more than the stereotypes placed on them and that women can accomplish great things when not held back.
Why is this message being sent? This song and message were made to celebrate women’s empowerment, and to let girls know that they can do anything and that they do not need to be held down by anyone or anything.
Lyrics:
I'm 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, little ol' me
Don't let me out of your signt
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
I'm just a girl,
Guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare
With their eyes
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!
I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb
Makes me worry some
I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to
Is making me numb
I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become, is so burdensome
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.