Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: indie-pop
Song Meaning of “Real Men” by Mitski
Real Men, by Mitski, paints a captivating picture of a person tormented by the mysterious idea of what it means to be a “real man.” The song follows a hauntingly poetic journey through the heartaches of someone struggling to accept themselves in a society constantly placing unfair expectations on gender roles.
The song begins with a somber, reflective tone as Mitski sings “real men don’t laugh, of course, don’t show how they feel,” expressing her difficulty in trying to live up to the facade of stoicism and invincibility which the culture around her has engrained in her. The song slowly builds to a crescendo as she questions everything she thought she understood about manhood. She challenges the idea of masculinity and yearns for an escape from its oppressive standards. The lyrical metaphor of battle symbols the ongoing fight within her as she gradually begins to stand up against an ideology which society has tried to foist upon her.
Ultimately, Real Men serves as a powerful message about self-acceptance and challenges the narrow idea of what it means to be a man. Through her beautiful lyricism, Mitski conveys a strong story of resilience and a stark reminder of the prejudices that still exist in society. In the end, she fights through her struggles and encourages us to do the same.