Do I look good for you tonight?
Will you accuse me as I hide
Behind these layers of disguise
In the mirrors of my own happiness?

I've loved the freedom of being inside
Need a new start and a different time
Something grows in the space between me
And it's twisting and changing this fragile body

And I wish I had been born a girl instead of what I am
Yes I wish I had been born a girl and not this mess of a man
And not this mess of a man
And not this mess of a man

The censorship of my skin
Is screaming inside and from within
There's no room in this world for a girl like me
No place around there where I fit in

And I wish I had been born a girl instead of what I am
Yes I wish I had been born a girl and not this mess of a man
And not this mess of a man
And not this mess of a man
And not this mess of a man
And not this mess of a man

Ooh


Lyrics submitted by pumkinhed

Born a Girl Lyrics as written by Nicholas Jones James Bradfield

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Born A Girl song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

5 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +3
    General Comment

    I can see how it can be applied to transsexualism, but I interpreted that he wants to be a girl because he wants to be accepted by a society that frowns upon feminine males, not because he feels that he is the wrong gender. That's why he calls himself a "mess of a man" because he is not what society expects of men.

    comforteagleon April 25, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    this song, to me, holds on to the theme of little baby nothing although Nicky wrote the song, the lyrics remind me of Richey: "the censorship of my skin is screaming inside and from within there's no room in this world for a girl like me and place around there where i fit in" it's like how self-abuse is considered to be more of a feminine thing opposed to taking out your aggression on others is considered "manly" or masculine this song is pretty much a "lament for having being born a boy" as Nigel Packer of the BBC news declares it

    OrangeSnowPuffon August 03, 2005   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    In my opinion, it's a song about transexuality. I mean, that's what struck me when I heard it. And it fits with the lyrics.

    Rosethornnon September 09, 2005   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    I agree with Rosethornn. it feels like me in reverse, and I know a lot of transwomen identify with it. I wish there was another version, for FTMs, even though it wouldn't make sense. but I just want a song like this to listen to and know it's me, there aren't really many songs about transsexuals out there. :/

    Vexationon December 10, 2008   Link
  • -2
    General Comment

    It's about Ed Gein, apparently.

    Trash_Glamon February 18, 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
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988. "'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it." "There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Album art
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version. Great version of a great song,
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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
Page
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.