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