When I was just a little girl upon my mother's knee,
My position in life was mapped out by my family.
As I grew older, society's message was the same--
Girl child, you have to learn to play the game.
Since then, laws have been enacted, they say we're free,
So why doesn't it seem all that changed to me?
Can it be that laws can't change the way we perceive,
Or stop those who brain wash girls so that they believe,
There's still a double standard -- we're still second best --
The equality's a myth and we're failing in our quest --
To define in essence, what being a female really constitutes;
To be judged by who we are, not just our physical attributes;
To not be valued by what we are able to give;
But by our minds and souls and the lives we live.
To not be subserviant or rivals, but to create our own space;
To stand beside men as partners -- that's our proper place.

Girl child, cover your ears now and close your eyes,
Because they're going to feed you some more of their spoon fed lies.
Or listen very carefully and hear what they say,
Because they're going to try and steal your life away.
They'll tell you don't think too clear and definitely don't you see
That you have the option to chose your own destiny.
And don't search too hard and don't you dare believe
That a more balanced life is possible to achieve.
The insidious deception hidden under love's disguise --
Don't you dare listen to those spoon fed lies!

Don't be too smart or try to win a game.
Don't speak too wise or sound too sane.
Don't have an opinion, and heaven's, don't be right.
You'll show him in an unfavourable light.
Put your makeup on and wear your pretty face.
Shroud you slim, perfect body in satin and lace.
Be compliant, demur, helpless, but somehow, sexy too --
You see the male ego is depending on you.
The insidious deception hidden under love's disguise --
Don't you dare listen to those spoon fed lies!

Submerge your own needs and bury you personality.
Be the epitome of accomodation and flexibility.
Wrap yourself in femininity, be compassionate, my dear
And tell him only the things he wants to hear.
Be a caretaker of others, I'm sure it's clear by now
That you're not the one that's important here,
somehow.
It's still a man's world and he's cloaked in superiority --
Ergo, mere female, you role is still inferiority.
The insidious deception hidden under love's disguise --
Don't you dare listen to those spoon fed lies!

A man's home's his castle, so he'll control what you do.
But don't worry, girl child, he'll take good care of you -
A punching bag, a sexual toy, and unpaid slave you'll be,
But he'll promise undying love with such sincerity.
No matter what career you chose, probably a mommy you'll be
And you'll end up shouldering most of the responsibility.
He'll take all the credit, but you'll get the blame.
What's a matter, sweetie, don't you like this game?
The insidious deception hidden under love's disguise --
Don't you dare listen to those spoon fed lies.

Girl child, uncover your ears and unblind you eyes;
Open your mind, use your brain, and don't believe their lies.
You're more than just a body, you're more than what you give;
Strive to reach to become what you want to be -- dare to live!
Women and men may be different, but we're equal, yes it's true
And his place is neither behind nor ahead of you.
You'll have to be assertive, you'll have to discover what you can achieve,
And then it's going to be even harder to make him believe.
We need to also teach our children -- be careful of the roles we play,
For we don't want them growing up in the same stereotypical way.
We can cast off old teachings, learn a new way to be --
With persistance comes freedom, with freedom, equality.

Diana Glen (1997) ©