I’ve seen articles in circulation recently claiming that a generation of women empowering other women and pursuing relationships of all kinds with other women is as big for feminism as the #metoo movement, and I completely agree.
I’ve had a rough week making music. Twice in my attempts to arrange a collaboration with other musicians I have had to tactfully decline propositions whilst maintaining the professional connection. The first occasion I was reasonably successful. The second I was not. While reflecting on the grief these events caused me and how utterly discouraging they were, I also reflected on the occasion of recording with Brianna April this week, and it restored what peace I’d lost.
Recording with Brianna is like hanging out with a sister. We laugh and grumble about the pitfalls, speak in funny voices, waste time contentedly, refocus, and truly enjoy each other’s company while creating really great music. It’s simply poetic coincidence that this release, Fall In Line, addresses the very struggles that plagued me a bit more than usual this week.
“Little girls, listen closely
‘Cause no one told me
But you deserve to know
That in this world, you are not beholden
You do not owe them
Your body and your soul
All the youth in the world will not save you from growing older And all the truth in a girl is too precious to be stolen from her
It’s just the way it is and maybe it’s never gonna change
But I’ve got a mind to show my strength
And I’ve got a right to speak my mind
I’m gonna pay for this
They’re gonna burn me at the stake
But I’ve got a fire in my veins
I wasn’t made to fall in line
Show some skin, make him want you
‘Cause God forbid you know your own way home
Ask yourself why it matters
Who it flatters
You’re more than flesh and bones
All the youth in the world will not save you from growing older And all the truth in a girl is too precious to be stolen from her
It’s just the way it is and maybe it’s never gonna change
But I’ve got a mind to show my strength
And I’ve got a right to speak my mind
I’m gonna pay for this
They’re gonna burn me at the stake
But I’ve got a fire in my veins
I wasn’t made to fall in line”
Thank you Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato and songwriters Jon Bellion, Audra Butts, Raul Cubina, Mark Williams, and Jon Simpson. Thank you, Brianna April. I REALLY needed this this week. Strength restored!