“Daughters” -John Mayer
“Baby Got Back” -Sir Mix-A-Lot
“Single Ladies” -Beyonce Knowles
“Crazy Rap” -Afroman
“Your Body is a Wonderland” -John Mayer
“I Kissed a Girl” -Katy Perry
“I’m a Slave 4 U” -Britney Spears
“Flavour of the Weak” -American Hi-Fi
“Sexy Chick” -David Guetta
“Bitches Ain’t Shit” -Ben Folds
“Hailie’s Song” -Eminem
"Love Story" -Taylor Swift“Love Game” -Lady Gaga
"She Works Hard for the Money" -Kris Allen
“Golddigger” -Kanye West
This current day song demonstrates the powerful impact of a woman on her family and those around her. Throughout the ages, women have been viewed as the bedrock of the family and, in many ways, of society because of their role as creators and nurturers in their families. The song’s lyrics emphasize the need to treasure, protect and love daughters, who grow up to become mothers and to have children of their own. “Daughters” makes the point that women are invaluable members of society with the capacity to bring people together and to nurture relationships. Thus, the words in the song: “…but boys would be gone without the warmth from a woman’s good good heart” The music of this song underscores this point through its soothing melody and John Mayer’s gentle voice, both of which are reminiscent of the way a woman comforts and supports those around her.
Artist: Sir Mix-A-Lot
Title: Daughters
Album: Heavier Things
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Aware/Columbia Records
Catalog #: 86185
This current day song demonstrates the powerful impact of a woman on her family and those around her. Throughout the ages, women have been viewed as the bedrock of the family and, in many ways, of society because of their role as creators and nurturers in their families. The song’s lyrics emphasize the need to treasure, protect and love daughters, who grow up to become mothers and to have children of their own. “Daughters” makes the point that women are invaluable members of society with the capacity to bring people together and to nurture relationships. Thus, the words in the song: “…but boys would be gone without the warmth from a woman’s good good heart” The music of this song underscores this point through its soothing melody and John Mayer’s gentle voice, both of which are reminiscent of the way a woman comforts and supports those around her.
Artist: Sir Mix-A-Lot
Title: Baby Got Back
Album: Mack Daddy
Year Released: 1992
Record Label: American
Catalog #: 26765
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This song of my generation describes women as sex objects. The song is degrading to women and emphasizes the importance of appealing to men who have no interest in any kind of substantive relationship. Their sole interest in a woman is as a vehicle for achieving their own sexual pleasure. However, of particular interest to me is the fact that most men and women of my generation are not offended by this song’s patently offensive message and lyrics, which go so far as to describe a woman as a piece of meat (“I want em real thick and juicy”). The men are horny, staring and have no interest in the women themselves. Yet, in spite of the lyrics, “Baby Got Back” is a well-known and well-liked song all in my generation. It was played during many parties growing up and most people know the words. Why are women today not offended by this song? In part, I think that many listeners simply have not taken to listen to the lyrics, but I also believe that women today have become accustomed, and as a result no longer sensitive, to increasingly degrading language used to describe them. Compare this song to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” from 1965, described in my 1960’s playlist, where the woman is empowered, due respect.
This song of my generation describes women as sex objects. The song is degrading to women and emphasizes the importance of appealing to men who have no interest in any kind of substantive relationship. Their sole interest in a woman is as a vehicle for achieving their own sexual pleasure. However, of particular interest to me is the fact that most men and women of my generation are not offended by this song’s patently offensive message and lyrics, which go so far as to describe a woman as a piece of meat (“I want em real thick and juicy”). The men are horny, staring and have no interest in the women themselves. Yet, in spite of the lyrics, “Baby Got Back” is a well-known and well-liked song all in my generation. It was played during many parties growing up and most people know the words. Why are women today not offended by this song? In part, I think that many listeners simply have not taken to listen to the lyrics, but I also believe that women today have become accustomed, and as a result no longer sensitive, to increasingly degrading language used to describe them. Compare this song to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” from 1965, described in my 1960’s playlist, where the woman is empowered, due respect.
Artist: Beyonce Knowles
Title: Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Album: I Am…Sasha Fierce
Year Released: 2008
Record Label: Columbia Records
Catalog #: 719492
This song illustrates the desire of many women today for a commitment and faithfulness from their romantic partners. The lyrics tell the story of a girl badly hurt by an unfaithful partner and a painful breakup. She is dancing and flirting with others to try to make her ex-boyfriend jealous and regret that he broke up with her and did not appreciate her when he had his chance. The vocal delivery conveys Beyonce’s anger, disappointment and frustration with men who don’t understand that women are looking for love, commitment and faithfulness and should not be taken for granted. She sings: “Don’t treat me to the things of this world, your love is what I deserve what I prefer”. In addition, the upbeat tempo of the music and the power and emotion in Beyonce’s voice demonstrate not only the resilience of women to face and overcome pain caused by men, but her anger at having been taken for granted, and her strength and conviction to overcome.
This current day song is an excellent example of the highly offensive way women are treated in music in today’s generation. Women often are portrayed as sex objects that can be used and then tossed aside. As in “Baby Got Back”, this song has widespread popularity among my generation; many can easily quote entire verses of the song. One such verse is particularly vulgar, yet it is sung with little regard for its crassness by girls all over the country: “I met this girl from Japan, never made love with an African, I fucked her once, I fucked her twice, I ate that pussy like shrimp-fried rice”. When I stop to listen to the lyrics, I am offended, but must confess that I am guilty of singing this song. Why, I ask myself, am I not sufficiently disgusted with the offensive lyrics to dislike this song, or at least avoid joining in to sing it? Having grown up in an era where cussing and crass language was common place, I am inured to it. It does not faze me and I usually do not take it seriously.
Artist: Katy Perry
Artist: Britney Spears
Artist: Afroman
Title: Crazy Rap
Album: Sell Your Dope
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: MCA Records
Catalog #: 0156052
This current day song is an excellent example of the highly offensive way women are treated in music in today’s generation. Women often are portrayed as sex objects that can be used and then tossed aside. As in “Baby Got Back”, this song has widespread popularity among my generation; many can easily quote entire verses of the song. One such verse is particularly vulgar, yet it is sung with little regard for its crassness by girls all over the country: “I met this girl from Japan, never made love with an African, I fucked her once, I fucked her twice, I ate that pussy like shrimp-fried rice”. When I stop to listen to the lyrics, I am offended, but must confess that I am guilty of singing this song. Why, I ask myself, am I not sufficiently disgusted with the offensive lyrics to dislike this song, or at least avoid joining in to sing it? Having grown up in an era where cussing and crass language was common place, I am inured to it. It does not faze me and I usually do not take it seriously.
Artist: John Mayer
Title: Your Body is a Wonderland
Album: Room for Squares
Year Released: 2001
Record Label: Columbia
Catalog #: 5081352
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Although this song focuses on a woman’s body and appearance (“Your skin like porcelain, one pair of candy lips and your bubblegum tongue”) and a sexual relationship with her, the woman is not portrayed as a sex object; instead she is viewed as beautiful Her body is sung about in a loving, appreciative way rather than in a degrading way. John Mayer’s voice is heartfelt and expressive as he sings about this woman. His voice is gentle and his vocal tone suggests he is a man in touch with his inner self and capable of truly loving a woman. Compare the portrayal of a woman’s body in “Your Body is a Wonderland” to the portrayal of the woman’s body in “Crazy Rap” by Afroman and “Bitches Ain’t Shit” by Ben Folds. Whereas John Mayer gives the impression that a woman’s body is akin to a temple, these other artists portray a woman’s body as a sexual playground and ignore the person within. There is no feeling of love in these other songs.
Although this song focuses on a woman’s body and appearance (“Your skin like porcelain, one pair of candy lips and your bubblegum tongue”) and a sexual relationship with her, the woman is not portrayed as a sex object; instead she is viewed as beautiful Her body is sung about in a loving, appreciative way rather than in a degrading way. John Mayer’s voice is heartfelt and expressive as he sings about this woman. His voice is gentle and his vocal tone suggests he is a man in touch with his inner self and capable of truly loving a woman. Compare the portrayal of a woman’s body in “Your Body is a Wonderland” to the portrayal of the woman’s body in “Crazy Rap” by Afroman and “Bitches Ain’t Shit” by Ben Folds. Whereas John Mayer gives the impression that a woman’s body is akin to a temple, these other artists portray a woman’s body as a sexual playground and ignore the person within. There is no feeling of love in these other songs.
Title: I Kissed a Girl
Album: One of the Boys
Year Released: 2008
Record Label: SMI Music Distribution
Catalog #: 509995042492
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This song illustrates a massive shift between the 1960’s and today in women’s sexual freedom and the growing acceptance in today’s societies of homosexual relationships. “I Kissed a Girl” explores the themes of sexual freedom, curiosity and openness. It is particularly interesting to note the change in society’s views on this topic, as homosexuality was once believed to be a mental disorder. The lyrics comment upon the confusion that many adolescents face as they experiment and discover their own sexual identities (“It felt so wrong, It felt so right, don’t mean I’m in love tonight”). However, Katy Perry does not deliver this song with any sense of confusion or hesitancy, but rather, in a bold, daring, almost boasting manner, as if she is bragging about her experience kissing another girl. The beat is contagious and the refrain catchy. As a result of its widespread popularity among girls of many ages, this song, which broadcasts what it means to explore one’s own sexuality and, in particular, homosexuality, future generations of Americans will continue to develop and change their views concerning what is and is not acceptable behavior for a woman.
This song illustrates a massive shift between the 1960’s and today in women’s sexual freedom and the growing acceptance in today’s societies of homosexual relationships. “I Kissed a Girl” explores the themes of sexual freedom, curiosity and openness. It is particularly interesting to note the change in society’s views on this topic, as homosexuality was once believed to be a mental disorder. The lyrics comment upon the confusion that many adolescents face as they experiment and discover their own sexual identities (“It felt so wrong, It felt so right, don’t mean I’m in love tonight”). However, Katy Perry does not deliver this song with any sense of confusion or hesitancy, but rather, in a bold, daring, almost boasting manner, as if she is bragging about her experience kissing another girl. The beat is contagious and the refrain catchy. As a result of its widespread popularity among girls of many ages, this song, which broadcasts what it means to explore one’s own sexuality and, in particular, homosexuality, future generations of Americans will continue to develop and change their views concerning what is and is not acceptable behavior for a woman.
Title: I’m a Slave 4 U
Album: Britney
Year Released: 2001
Record Label: Jive Records
Catalog #: 41776
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This song documents the struggle in today’s society for girls to remain children instead of rushing to grow up. The lyrics address the desire of girls to be sexually mature and active before they are ready and lament the frustration of many young girls who are not yet taken seriously because of their age. Britney Spears sings in a throaty, almost panting voice about a crush or obsession - her sexual attraction to an older man. She looks and behaves like a woman, emphasizing the early age at which girls lose the innocence of childhood in today’s culture. The repeating refrain “I’m a Slave 4 U” emphasizes the out-of-control nature of Britney’s feelings for a man and suggests the dangers of allowing physical attraction to dictate her actions (“I’m a slave for you, cannot hold it, cannot control it”…”I really want to do what you want me to”).
This song documents the struggle in today’s society for girls to remain children instead of rushing to grow up. The lyrics address the desire of girls to be sexually mature and active before they are ready and lament the frustration of many young girls who are not yet taken seriously because of their age. Britney Spears sings in a throaty, almost panting voice about a crush or obsession - her sexual attraction to an older man. She looks and behaves like a woman, emphasizing the early age at which girls lose the innocence of childhood in today’s culture. The repeating refrain “I’m a Slave 4 U” emphasizes the out-of-control nature of Britney’s feelings for a man and suggests the dangers of allowing physical attraction to dictate her actions (“I’m a slave for you, cannot hold it, cannot control it”…”I really want to do what you want me to”).
I included this song in my playlist to illustrate the pressure on young girls today to grow up at any earlier and earlier age. Young girls are exposed to sexuality on the Internet, television and magazines and are flooded with media images of what they should look like and how they should behave. Britney Spears demonstrates the risks that exist when young girls try to grow up too quickly, often resulting in a loss of control and devastating mistakes that adversely impact girls for years to come because they lacked the maturity and judgment to be in a sexual relationship at such a young age.
Artist: American Hi-Fi
Title: Flavour of the Weak
Album: American Hi-Fi
Year Released: 2001
Record Label: Island
Catalog #: 542871
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Similar to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”, the lyrics of “Flavour of the Weak” address the desire of women for committed, loving relationships and lament the fact that men sometimes lie to or deceive women into believing they are in such a relationship when they are not. This song describes a girl who is hopelessly in love with her boyfriend, taking care of him and doting on him, even though he barely spares a passing glance in her direction (“And he means everything to her, Her boyfriend, he don’t know, anything about her…She’s just the flavour of the weak”). The song describes a woman who is deluded into thinking that she is in a loving, reciprocal relationship. Ironically, it is a male friend who is making this observation; the delivery of the vocals conveys a sense of frustration with the boyfriend’s failure to appreciate and treat his girlfriend the way she deserves to be treated, as well as a frustration that the girlfriend can not see the truth of the situation. This song illustrates the disconnect experienced by some women in their relationships, as well as their ability to be blinded to the truth when they love a man. The disapproval expressed by the girl’s friend, who is singing the song, suggests a need for women to be more aware of their partners’ feelings and actions to ensure that they are in the loving and committed relationships they believe they are in.
Similar to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”, the lyrics of “Flavour of the Weak” address the desire of women for committed, loving relationships and lament the fact that men sometimes lie to or deceive women into believing they are in such a relationship when they are not. This song describes a girl who is hopelessly in love with her boyfriend, taking care of him and doting on him, even though he barely spares a passing glance in her direction (“And he means everything to her, Her boyfriend, he don’t know, anything about her…She’s just the flavour of the weak”). The song describes a woman who is deluded into thinking that she is in a loving, reciprocal relationship. Ironically, it is a male friend who is making this observation; the delivery of the vocals conveys a sense of frustration with the boyfriend’s failure to appreciate and treat his girlfriend the way she deserves to be treated, as well as a frustration that the girlfriend can not see the truth of the situation. This song illustrates the disconnect experienced by some women in their relationships, as well as their ability to be blinded to the truth when they love a man. The disapproval expressed by the girl’s friend, who is singing the song, suggests a need for women to be more aware of their partners’ feelings and actions to ensure that they are in the loving and committed relationships they believe they are in.
Artist: David Guetta
Title: Sexy Bitch
Album: Sexy Bitch
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Virgin Records
Catalog #: 77582
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This song is similar to “Baby Got Back” in that although it should offend me, it does not. The lyrics treat women as sex objects, using degrading language to describe them. “I’m tryna find the words to describe this girl without being disrespectful...damn you’se a sexy bitch”. It seems absurd that the lyrics discuss trying to find a respectful way to describe a woman and eventually settle on the words “sexy bitch”. Are these words that we’ve come to accept as an acceptable or even a positive statement about women? The standards of my generation seem to have been lowered considerably from prior decades with regard to our willingness to accept such crass and demeaning language in music to describe women. We typically listen to such lyrics with little thought and usually take no offense. The emphasis in this song on a woman’s body and appearance, typical of so many songs of my generation, is a social commentary on girls and women in today’s society who often aspire for the perfect bodies and to be viewed as sexy, beautiful and desirable to men. (“Yes I can see her, cus every girl in here wanna be her”)
This song is similar to “Baby Got Back” in that although it should offend me, it does not. The lyrics treat women as sex objects, using degrading language to describe them. “I’m tryna find the words to describe this girl without being disrespectful...damn you’se a sexy bitch”. It seems absurd that the lyrics discuss trying to find a respectful way to describe a woman and eventually settle on the words “sexy bitch”. Are these words that we’ve come to accept as an acceptable or even a positive statement about women? The standards of my generation seem to have been lowered considerably from prior decades with regard to our willingness to accept such crass and demeaning language in music to describe women. We typically listen to such lyrics with little thought and usually take no offense. The emphasis in this song on a woman’s body and appearance, typical of so many songs of my generation, is a social commentary on girls and women in today’s society who often aspire for the perfect bodies and to be viewed as sexy, beautiful and desirable to men. (“Yes I can see her, cus every girl in here wanna be her”)
I included this song in my playlist because I listen and dance to this song, which is current and played at nearly every party. The synthesizer creates an ethereal, otherworldly feeling and the repetition and simplicity of the musical composition tend to play off the normally intoxicated state of most who are present at the bars, clubs, and parties where the song is most frequently played.
Artist: Ben Folds
Title: Bitches Ain’t Shit
Album: Supersunnyspeedgraphic: The LP
Year Released: 2006
Record Label: Sony Music Distribution
Catalog #: 00536
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This song was originally performed by Dr Dre, and was later covered by Ben Folds. The lyrics of this song are terribly offensive, describing women as sex objects that exist solely for the pleasure and satisfaction of men. The language used is blunt and vulgar (“Bitches ain’t shit but hoes and tricks, lick on these nuts and suck the dick”). The use of such language in music of the 1960’s was unheard of.
This song was originally performed by Dr Dre, and was later covered by Ben Folds. The lyrics of this song are terribly offensive, describing women as sex objects that exist solely for the pleasure and satisfaction of men. The language used is blunt and vulgar (“Bitches ain’t shit but hoes and tricks, lick on these nuts and suck the dick”). The use of such language in music of the 1960’s was unheard of.
I included this song in my playlist of the music of my generation because of the social commentary it offers on the crass and highly inappropriate language that dominates so much of today’s music. However, tn contrast to the rough rap music of Dr Dre, Ben Folds chooses to sing this song in a melodic, soothing voice to the accompaniment of a piano. In essence, he turns this song on its head. By singing such terribly offensive lyrics in such a sweet, mellifluous manner, Ben Folds brilliantly criticizes the absurdity of Dr Dre’s song, illustrating Fold’s view that the lyrics are so ridiculous and offensive that the only way to view them is through mockery.
Artist: Eminem
Title: Hailie’s Song
Album: The Eminem Show
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: Interscope Records
Catalog #: 493290
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This song documents both the pain and the joy that women can bring to men in their lives. Eminem tells the story of his difficult relationship with his girlfriend and the ways it has interfered with, if not ruined, so much of his life. This woman is portrayed as irresponsible and as wreaking havoc by getting into trouble with the law and blaming others or allowing them to take responsibility for her wrongs. He admits feeling defeated and lost in the world as a result of his relationship with her. However, he notes that the only thing that grounds him, brings him back to reality and makes life worth living is his daughter. As a result, this song is also about the power a daughter can have on her father as a source of love and pride and stability in his life.
This song documents both the pain and the joy that women can bring to men in their lives. Eminem tells the story of his difficult relationship with his girlfriend and the ways it has interfered with, if not ruined, so much of his life. This woman is portrayed as irresponsible and as wreaking havoc by getting into trouble with the law and blaming others or allowing them to take responsibility for her wrongs. He admits feeling defeated and lost in the world as a result of his relationship with her. However, he notes that the only thing that grounds him, brings him back to reality and makes life worth living is his daughter. As a result, this song is also about the power a daughter can have on her father as a source of love and pride and stability in his life.
The lyrics of this song illustrate the immense power and influence of women in the lives of men and, in particular, the power of a daughter’s love in the lives of her parents. The song is powerful because of the raw emotion in Eminem’s voice. Listening to his story, you can feel his disgust for and anger at his girlfriend, his anguish at the time he has lost and what he has suffered, but at the same time, his pride and love for his daughter.
Artist: Taylor Swift
Title: Love Story
Album: Fearless
Year Released: 2008
Record Label: MapleMusic Recordings
Catalog #: ORBM7310
Click Here to Listen!
This song illustrates young and idyllic love. It is a coming of age song about young girls trying to break free from their parents to pursue their own dreams and loves rather than what their parents want for them. The song is a narrative that tells the story of a young couple’s forbidden teenage love. The lyrics, as well as the feel-good simple melody, remind the listener of a fairytale with a happy ending (“You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess, It’s a love story, baby just say yes”). The song symbolizes the ideal love story that every little girl one day dreams of having – the love of Romeo and Juliet.
This song illustrates young and idyllic love. It is a coming of age song about young girls trying to break free from their parents to pursue their own dreams and loves rather than what their parents want for them. The song is a narrative that tells the story of a young couple’s forbidden teenage love. The lyrics, as well as the feel-good simple melody, remind the listener of a fairytale with a happy ending (“You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess, It’s a love story, baby just say yes”). The song symbolizes the ideal love story that every little girl one day dreams of having – the love of Romeo and Juliet.
Artist: Lady Gaga
Title: Love Game
Album: Love game
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Interscope Records
Catalog #: 131627
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This song is interesting because it describes a woman using a man for sex rather than the other way around. Similarly to Katy Perry, the lyrics describe the growing acceptance of sexual freedom in today’s society. The woman portrayed in the song is not searching for a relationship or anything meaningful; all she wants is sex. “Let’s have some fun, this beat is sick, I wanna take a ride on your disco stick”. By portraying a woman in a manner more typical of men in the songs of my generation, Lady Gaga illustrates the growing sexual equality that exists in our society. Both are capable of the same feelings and instincts.
This song is interesting because it describes a woman using a man for sex rather than the other way around. Similarly to Katy Perry, the lyrics describe the growing acceptance of sexual freedom in today’s society. The woman portrayed in the song is not searching for a relationship or anything meaningful; all she wants is sex. “Let’s have some fun, this beat is sick, I wanna take a ride on your disco stick”. By portraying a woman in a manner more typical of men in the songs of my generation, Lady Gaga illustrates the growing sexual equality that exists in our society. Both are capable of the same feelings and instincts.
As in “Sexy Bitch”, the use of a synthesizer helps create a noisy, out of control, intoxicated feeling, which emphasizes the point that love and sex are a game, not to be taken too seriously.
Artist: Kris Allen
Title: She Works Hard for the Money
Album: American Idol Season 8
Year Released: 2010
Record Label: American Idol
Click Here to Listen!
On this past season of American idol, Kris Allen covered Donna Summer’s 1983 hit song “She Works Hard for the Money”. This song portrays women as strong, valuable members of their families who are equal to men in the work place. He sings of women working and earning money just as men do and demands that they be respected for their hard work. Although this song was originally written in 1983, Kris Allen’s rendition proves that its message is relevant and true today. This song is a welcome contrast to the many songs of today that focus on women as lovers and objects of sexual desire, rather than as people who are smart, talented and capable of making meaningful contributions to their families.
On this past season of American idol, Kris Allen covered Donna Summer’s 1983 hit song “She Works Hard for the Money”. This song portrays women as strong, valuable members of their families who are equal to men in the work place. He sings of women working and earning money just as men do and demands that they be respected for their hard work. Although this song was originally written in 1983, Kris Allen’s rendition proves that its message is relevant and true today. This song is a welcome contrast to the many songs of today that focus on women as lovers and objects of sexual desire, rather than as people who are smart, talented and capable of making meaningful contributions to their families.
Artist: Kanye West
Title: Gold Digger
Album: Gold Digger
Year Released: 2005
Record Label: Universal International
Catalog #: 988673
Click Here to Listen!
Like Lady Gaga’s “Love Game”, “Gold Digger” demonstrates a role reversal in the male-female dynamics that we are accustomed to hearing in so much of the music of today. In this song, women are portrayed as materialistic and deceptive, pretending to love and using men for their money. Although this song portrays women in a negative light, I am sad to say that I am not surprised by this image. In today’s society there are many women who date and marry men for money and use men to satiate their materialistic needs and desires. Consequently, Kanye’s song is an accurate portrayal of the way some women behave in today’s society.
Like Lady Gaga’s “Love Game”, “Gold Digger” demonstrates a role reversal in the male-female dynamics that we are accustomed to hearing in so much of the music of today. In this song, women are portrayed as materialistic and deceptive, pretending to love and using men for their money. Although this song portrays women in a negative light, I am sad to say that I am not surprised by this image. In today’s society there are many women who date and marry men for money and use men to satiate their materialistic needs and desires. Consequently, Kanye’s song is an accurate portrayal of the way some women behave in today’s society.
