Song Blog

For the song that grapples with images and narratives of women/gender, I chose “The Voice Within” sung and co-written by Christina Aguilera. Regardless of personal views on Aguilera, it cannot be denied that she tackles some deep issues in many of her songs. I think she is conflicted, though, because she sings about getting “Dirrrrty” and about how to “Get Mine, Get Yours,” but also about being “Beautiful” and being able to “Soar.” Many of her songs show cultural narratives about women. This particular song grapples with both physical self image and emotional self confidence narratives that women deal with from the time they are young girls. She sings that women shouldn’t look outside of themselves to find happiness. In the fourth stanza she also says that running away is not the way to change things you want to change. I feel she is talking about avoiding real life problems. She is a firm believer in fighting for yourself and things that you want. Later in the song she sings about life being a journey and that women should keep exploring life and never settle for less than their best. I feel that this song is along the lines of an independent and unique woman narrative. It’s a beautiful song and encourages me to persevere whenever I have self confidence worries.

The Voice Within

Young girl don’t cry
I’ll be right here when your world starts to fall
Young girl it’s alright
Your tears will dry, you’ll soon be free to fly

When you’re safe inside your room you tend to dream
Of a place where nothing’s harder than it seems
No one ever wants or bothers to explain
Of the heartache life can bring and what it means

When there’s no one else, look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you’ll find the strength that will guide your way
You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within

Young girl don’t hide
You’ll never change if you just run away
Young girl just hold tight
Soon you’re gonna see your brighter day

Now in a world where innocence is quickly claimed
It’s so hard to stand your ground when you’re so afraid
No one reaches out a hand for you to hold
When you look outside look inside to your soul

Life is a journey
It can take you anywhere you choose to go
As long as you’re learning
You’ll find all you’ll ever need to know
(be strong)
You’ll break it
(hold on)
You’ll make it
Just don’t forsake it because
No one can tell you what you can’t do
No one can stop you, you know that I’m talking to you