My breast is cradled
In the curve of my guitar
I'm breaking strings
And other things
Playing hard
No I'm not on the rag
But I'm not on the run
I am matching the big boys
One for one
And I must admit,
I'm having myself some fun

Because the music business
Is still run by men
Like every business
And everything
But we can sing like a sonofabitch
Make them twitch around their eyes
Make them apologize

He had a mean streak
Three miles wide
It was a long walk
To the other side
She tried to get through it
Holding on to her smile
But he wasn't worth the time it takes
To make that mistake
He just wasn't worthwhile
She's been under command
Of the wrong man
And she'll give you everything
Except the upper hand
She was his mother, and his lover,
And his wife
Now she wants the luxury
Of her own life

'cause the marriage business
Is still run by men
Like every business
And every thing
But she can sing like a sonofabitch
Make him twitch around his eyes
Girl, make him apologize

They all want to lead the fight
And they know what they know all right
But there's so much
They don't understand
What about the other sex
What about the other hand
They only know what they've been told
And they're well cast
But they don't break the mold
And good sources are not enough
So she calls their bluff
Yeah, she calls their bluff

'cause the revolution business
Is still run by men
Like every business
And everything
But we can sing like a sonofabitch
Make them twitch around their eyes
Until they realize
They just don't realize


Lyrics submitted by aur0ra

Make Them Apologize Lyrics as written by Ani Difranco

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Make Them Apologize song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

3 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song rocks (listening to it right now), it really shows Ani's rebellious and feminist attitude-kick ass eh

    I hate how society seems to view men as the only people who can run the world, talk about a load of bullshit. Men and women are equal after all. fuck, I am a man

    River Wolfon February 15, 2008   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Blue
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.