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Original poster

Jolene, and other anti-feminist anthems

817 replies

StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:14

Just to say this is a light-hearted chat thread.
I love jolene, sing it with a minor adaptation every time I'm cleaning the windows. I have no idea about the background, but it must come near the top of the least feminist songs ever!
Another which I've just heard is sheryl crow, strong enough. "lie to me, I promise I'll believe, lie to me, but please don't leave"
Brilliant song, awful lyrics :)
Any others?

OP posts:
Ninkanink · 20/03/2021 20:51

@MabelPines

I love Dolly Parton and think is an absolute master of storytelling, and I’m going to disagree with Jolene being ‘anti-feminist’ as the protagonist of the song is appealing to the other women, and taking the man in the relationship out of the decision process, then it could be argued that it is actually a feminist song - the women will decide the future of the relationship.

Just a different take.

Yes.

And she also isn’t hating the woman, tearing her down or blaming her for the fact that she is attractive. Instead she appeals to her humanity.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:50

Oh I love more than words :(

OP posts:
Teaplease29 · 20/03/2021 20:50

'Cater 2 U' Destiny's Child

Baby I see you working hard
I want to let you know I'm proud
Let you know that I admire what you do
The more if I need to reassure you
My life would be purposeless without you (Yeah)
If I want it (Got it)
When I ask you (You provide it)
...
Let me help you
Take off your shoes
Untie your shoestrings
Take off your cuff-links (yeah)
What you wanna eat boo? (yeah)
Let me feed you
Let me run your bathwater
Whatever you desire
I'll supply ya
Sing you a song
Turn the game on
I'll brush your hair
Help you put your do-rag on
Want a foot rub? (yeah)
Want a manicure?
Baby I'm yours
I wanna cater to you boy

Let me cater to you
'Cause baby this is your day
Do anything for my man
Baby you blow me away
I got your slippers, your dinner, your dessert, and so much more
Anything you want
Just let me cater to you
Inspire me from the heart
Can't nothing tear us apart
You're all I want in a man
I put my life in your hands
I got your slippers, your dinner, your dessert, and so much more
Anything you want
I wanna cater to you

[Kelly:]
Baby I'm happy you're home
Let me hold you in my arms
I just want to take the stress away from you
Making sure that I'm doing my part (oh)
Boy is there something you need me to do (oh)
If you want it (I got it)
Say the word (I will try it)
I know whatever I'm not fulfilling (oh)
Another woman is willing (oh)
I'm gon' fulfill your mind, body, and spirit

I promise you (promise you)
I'll keep myself up (oh)
Remain the same chick (yeah)
You fell in love with (yeah)
I'll keep it tight
I'll keep my figure right
I'll keep my hair fixed
Keep rocking the hottest outfits

When you come home late tap me on my shoulder, I'll roll over
Baby I heard you
I'm here to serve you
(I'm loving it, I'm loving it)
If it's love you need, to give it is my joy
All I want to do is cater to you boy

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:49

Mabel, but dolly's happiness depends on having her man. I get the rest but surely that in itself is counter to feminism (and general self-esteem) core messaging.

OP posts:
Cwenthryth · 20/03/2021 20:49

“More Than Words” is basically a man sex-pesting a woman, presented as a love song. It’s sung by a bloke so was never going to be feminist but is one that always grinds. So many supposedly romantic songs are actually quite rapey when you listen to the lyrics.

Palavah · 20/03/2021 20:49

"girl I'm going to make you sweat....til you cant sweat no more. And if you cry I'm gonna push it some more'. Bit grim.

Most country tracks.

He hit me (and it felt like a kiss)

SmokedDuck · 20/03/2021 20:49

@StealthPolarBear

I've never listened to the lyrics of under my thumb, but I see now even from the title its not going to be a good one :)
It's a classic:
Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:48

Oh yes, school child you are tempting me.
I've just read up about jolene. I get that and I suppose I had noticed it. All the power is in jolene hands. But Imit is a bit crap that her (dolly's) happiness depends on jolenes choices. I stand by that (see what I did there)

OP posts:
MabelPines · 20/03/2021 20:48

I love Dolly Parton and think is an absolute master of storytelling, and I’m going to disagree with Jolene being ‘anti-feminist’ as the protagonist of the song is appealing to the other women, and taking the man in the relationship out of the decision process, then it could be argued that it is actually a feminist song - the women will decide the future of the relationship.

Just a different take.

Erkrie · 20/03/2021 20:48

But I like Stan too, Eminem . And that definitely ain't feminist. But it's catchy.

RedDogsBeg · 20/03/2021 20:46

@StealthPolarBear

I can't stand losing you is utterly awful. It's the one that ends with the suicide threat, right?
That's the one!

The there is the other Police classic 'Don't Stand So Close to Me'!

Erkrie · 20/03/2021 20:46

I love Jolene and the story it tells. It is sad. But there's so much to read into it.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:44

You said I was cheap you were the sale of the century has just popped in my head :)

OP posts:
elgreco · 20/03/2021 20:42

Love jolene. Also to my shame really like gold digger by Kanye.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:42

OK, hope you sleep well.

OP posts:
Ninkanink · 20/03/2021 20:42

That’s what I mean - I obviously sounded as if I was trying to have an argument when I really am not!

It’s just been one of those days.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:42

I can't stand losing you is utterly awful. It's the one that ends with the suicide threat, right?

OP posts:
Notonthestairs · 20/03/2021 20:41

More than a woman.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:41

@Ninkanink

It’s not an anti feminist song at all (Jolene). But I’m too tired and irritated to set out my argument right now. Maybe I’ll be in a better mood tomorrow.
OK, seriously, this was intended to be light hearted and I didn't mean to offend anyone. I am bored and lonely and fancied a chat. Strong enough came on a playlist I was listening to. I am really really not up for an argument.
OP posts:
picanoo · 20/03/2021 20:40

Something happened on the way to heaven by Phil Collins.
I fucked up but I really want you to just forget about it and take me back or I’ll stalk you.
Um okaay

RedDogsBeg · 20/03/2021 20:40

@Ereshkigalangcleg

Every Breath You Take
The people who play this at their Weddings as a first dance song because they think it's a love song can't possibly have ever listened to the lyrics, or are somewhat lacking in the brain department.

The Police's 'I Can't Stand Losing You' is equally suspect.

I love singing Jolene and am a great admirer of Dolly Parton she joked recently in an interview about 'Jolene' probably not wanting her husband now he's old and falls asleep on the sofa in the afternoons.

AdaFuckingShelby · 20/03/2021 20:40

When your body's had enough of me and im laying flat out on the floor. When you think you think ive loved you all i can i'm going to love you a little bit more.
Sex pest.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 20/03/2021 20:39

Hmm. Isn't it just about feeling sad?

OP posts:
Ninkanink · 20/03/2021 20:39

It’s not an anti feminist song at all (Jolene). But I’m too tired and irritated to set out my argument right now. Maybe I’ll be in a better mood tomorrow.

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