JoAnn Lauterbach
Sep 16, 20213 min
Updated: Oct 5, 2021
Every now and then I rummage through my old CD collection looking for something nostalgic to play on long drives. I started doing this in Covid when I had trouble connecting my phone to my car. I listen to fewer podcasts these days as a result, but the CDs transport me to other times and places, which my soul adores. These jewel cases are boarding passes.
I came across a mixed CD I had burned in the early 2000's...no doubt using Napster or Lime Wire while "working". I had listed most of the tracks on the lined paper cover, but not this one. So I was surprised when I heard the soft-spoken thought-provoking opening sample. With a sigh, I relaxed into my seat and listened to Madonna preach.
What It Feels Like for a Girl
Madonna
Girls can wear jeans and cut their hair short
Wear shirts and boots 'cause it's okay to be a boy
But for a boy to look like a girl is degrading
'Cause you think that being a girl is degrading
But secretly you'd love to know what it's like wouldn't you
What it feels like for a girl
Silky
Smooth lips as sweet as candy
Baby
Tight blue jeans
Skin that shows in patches
Strong inside but you don't know it
Good little girls
They never show it
When you open up your mouth to speak could you be a little weak
Do you know what it feels like for a girl
Do you know what it feels like in this world for a girl
Hair that twirls on finger tips so gently
Baby
Hands that rest on jutting hips repenting
Hurt that's not supposed to show and tears that fall when no one knows
When you're trying hard to be your best could you be a little less
Do you know what it feels like for a girl
Do you know what it feels like in this world for a girl
Do you know what it feels like for a girl
Do you know what it feels like in this world
What it feels like for a girl
Strong inside but you don't know it
Good little girls
They never show it
When you open up your mouth to speak could you be a little weak
Do you know what it feels like for a girl
Do you know what it feels like in this world for a girl
Do you know what it feels like for a girl
Do you know what it feels like in this world for a girl
In this world
Do you know
Do you know
Do you know what it feels like for a girl
What it feels like in this world
Thank you Madonna for these words.
Relevant in 2001.
Relevant in 2021.
Relevant in 2041? I hope not.
Here's what I'd like you to do; find a man at work with influence. Share this post with him and ask him if he knows What It Feels Like For a Girl in your organization. Ask him if he wants to know. Ask him if he wants to work with you to find out. Ask him what this request makes him feel.
I suspect an interesting and meaningful conversation will follow.
I suspect you'd like to know what will come of it, wouldn't you?
Bonus: More Madonna wisdom