Oh, my when I heard this song. It gave me the feels.
In the realm of music, certain songs have the power to cut through the noise and touch upon deeper truths that resonate with listeners on a profound level. Dax’s “To Be a Man” is one such track, delving into the complexities of masculinity, vulnerability, and the pressures of societal expectations.
The lyrics of “To Be a Man” paint a poignant picture of the internal struggles many men face. The opening lines, “I can’t hide myself, I don’t expect you to understand,” set the tone for the emotional journey that unfolds throughout the song. Dax eloquently expresses the challenges of being a man in a world that often demands stoicism and emotional suppression.
One of the central themes of the song is the idea that being a man is not simply defined by traditional stereotypes or societal norms. Dax challenges these notions, asserting that “Bein’ a man is what you make it.” He highlights the pressure to live up to expectations, the struggle to please others while sacrificing one’s own well-being, and the feelings of loneliness that can accompany this journey.
Throughout the song, Dax reflects on the lessons passed down from his father, acknowledging the stoicism and strength that were instilled in him. However, he also grapples with the realization that true strength lies in vulnerability and the willingness to acknowledge one’s emotions. He shares his own experiences of feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, offering a raw and honest portrayal of masculinity that is rarely seen in mainstream media.
As listeners reflect on the lyrics of “To Be a Man,” they are invited to consider their own perceptions of masculinity and how these ideals influence their lives. Are the expectations placed on men fair and realistic? Is vulnerability truly a sign of weakness, or is it a courageous act of authenticity? These questions prompt a deeper exploration of gender roles and societal norms, challenging us to redefine what it means to be a man in today’s world.
Ultimately, “To Be a Man” serves as a powerful reminder that masculinity is not monolithic, but rather a multifaceted spectrum of experiences and emotions. Dax’s poignant lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their own authenticity, break free from the constraints of societal expectations, and find strength in vulnerability. It’s a song that sparks important conversations about masculinity, inviting listeners to share their thoughts and experiences as they navigate the complexities of gender identity and self-expression.
What are your thoughts on the song? Drop me a line at neil@neilthrussell.com and share your thoughts or comment on my website directly.
LYRICS
I can’t hide myself
I don’t expect you to understand
I just hope I can explain
What it’s like to be a man
It’s a lonely road
And they don’t care ’bout what you know
It’s not ’bout how you feel
But what you provide inside that home
Yeah, I know this life can really beat you down, uh
You wanna scream but you won’t make a sound, uh
Got so much weight that you’ve been holdin’
But won’t show any emotion, as a man, that goes unspoken
That we can’t cry when life gets hard
Unconditional love for women, children and dogs
We know that we just have to play our parts
And don’t nobody give a damn about our broken hearts, yeah
As a man, we gotta pave our way
Our only function is to work and slave
There’s no respect for you if you ain’t paid
You’re disregarded as a human and you can’t complain
And if you ever make it up and actually reach that place
And find a woman that you love and give her your last name
You’ll feel the things that you provide is only why she stays
And when you try to explain, you’ll say
I can’t hide myself
I don’t expect you to understand
I just hope I can explain
What it’s like to be a man (what it’s like to be a man)
It’s a lonely road (it’s a lonely road)
And they don’t care ’bout what you know (care ’bout what you know)
It’s not ’bout how you feel
But what you provide inside that home
Don’t give up, keep fightin’
As a man, our son is our horizon
And our fathers’ actions play a role and we end up like him
So they can’t let us see them hurt
‘Cause we’ll embody what we do and start a generational curse
No wonder most men are so depressed
All the things that they can’t express
They go to war, get thrown on the shelf
Then go back to war with they mental health
Then grab that bottle and ask for help
Try to pull themselves out of hell
Then fall back down and then realize
That they gon’ have to do it themselves
It’s the circle of life, as a man, you provide
They don’t know what you’re worth ’til the day that you die
And that’s when they start cryin’
Then move on to a man to confide in
That’s why we feel
We can’t hide ourselves
We don’t expect you to understand
We just hope we can explain
What it’s like to be a man (what it’s like to be a man)
It’s a lonely road (it’s a lonely road)
And you don’t care ’bout what we know (care ’bout what we know)
It’s not ’bout how we feel
But what we provide inside that home (inside that home)
That home
It’s not ’bout how we feel
But what we provide inside that home (inside that home)
Source: LyricFind
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