In ‘Real Men’, Mitski writes about how the negative effects patriarchal values in society from her perspective. She talks about how these values have men constantly wanting the validation of being a “real man”. Meanwhile Mitski feels she needs validation from men to feel confident, and will only see...
[Verse 1]
Real men don't need other people
And real men suck it in
Real men don't flinch or bleed in public
Oh, I think I'm a real man
[Verse 2]
Little boys cry and look around for comfort
And always get what they want
Little boys see toys and say "I can take that!"
Oh, you are my little boy
[Chorus 1]
Though honestly, sir
All I wanna do is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down and tell me
"Well done, girl, you're looking good"
[Verse 3]
Real men keep cool in the face of a fire
Go down with the ship
And real men don't eat, 'cause they're above that, damn it
Oh, I'm gonna be a real man
[Chorus 2]
Oh-oh, oh-oh, though honestly, sir
All I wanna do is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down
And give me your love for being so good
[Bridge]
But little boys hold me, color me
Praise me, make me feel lovely
For a little while
So little boy, say you want me, 'cause, well, I can't take it
[Outro]
Go ahead
Do it, do it
Real Men was written by Mitski.
Real Men was produced by Scot Moriarty.