Mickey Guyton's evocative composition explores the disillusionment experienced by young women as they confront social inequities and systemic biases. The lyrics poignantly juxtapose the innocence and optimism of youth with the harsh realities of a world fraught with prejudice, gender inequality, and unfulfilled promises. The narrator questions how to reconcile the belief in egalitarian ideals such as hard work, fairness, and love, with the lived experiences of discrimination and disappointment. By juxtaposing aspirational dreams against societal limitations, the song critiques the persistent gap between idealism and reality. The recurring question, "What are you gonna tell her?" highlights the difficulty of navigating these profound dissonances, ultimately urging listeners to reflect on their role in perpetuating or challenging these disparities. This song serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of raising and guiding the next generation amidst enduring injustices.
What Are You Gonna Tell Her?
Lyrics
She thinks life is fair and
God hears every prayer
And everyone gets their ever after
She thinks love is love and if
You work hard, that's enough
Skin's just skin and it doesn't matter
And that her friend's older brother's gonna keep his hands to himself
And that somebody's gon' believe her when she tells
But what are you gonna tell her
When she's wrong?
Will you just shrug and say it's been that way all along?
What are you gonna tell her
When she figures out
That all this time you built her up just so the world could let her down?
Yeah, what do you tell her?
What are you gonna tell her?
Do you just let her pretend
That she could be the president?
Would it help us get there any faster?
Do you let her think the deck's not stacked?
And gay or straight or white or black
You just dream and anything can happen
What are you gonna tell her
When she's wrong?
Will you just shrug and say it's been that way all along?
What are you gonna tell her
When she figures out
That all this time you built her up just so the world could let her down?
Yeah, what do you tell her? Mmm
What are you gonna tell her?
Do you tell her not to fight?
Is it worth the sacrifice?
Can you look her in the face
And promise her that things'll change?
What are you gonna tell her?
Maybe you can't
'Cause there ain't no way, you can't explain what you don't understand
What the hell do you tell her?
What the hell do you tell her? Oh
What are you gonna tell her?
What are you gonna tell her?
Writer(s): Emma Lee, Karen Kosowski, Mickey Guyton, Victoria Banks
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
What is the Meaning of What Are You Gonna Tell Her?
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