The films tell us how we should be

Beautiful, sexy, thin and free

Not too sexy or you’re a slut

And not too thin or you’re not hot

Can’t be a prude because that’s boring

Too curvy, you’re fat, that’s their warning

You have to be strong, exciting and fun

Intelligent, funny, can shoot a gun

Independent and street-smart, with a PhD

But that’s not all you have to be

Honest and direct, but not too much

Are gentle and kind, soft to touch

You have be motherly, kind and secure

‘I believe in you’ speeches, that’s what you’re for

Love children and animals, have a heart that’s wise

Know your place, in the end, you’ll be someone’s prize

Wear high heels, push up bras and have long hair

When fighting and running, you can’t care

You’re uncomfortable as hell ‘cos of what you wear

Looking cool and desirable, that’s why you’re there

You always look perfect, you woke up that way

Beauty’s non-negotiable, but it can’t take all day

Most of all, you can’t worry, be anxious or opposing

You’ll be wrong, it’s not strong, it’s just imposing

Walk the line between too much and not enough

Living life that way is just too tough

Everything, to everyone, contradictions and all

Exactly as she should be, Tightrope Woman will fall.