Awesome Virginia high school student Julia Romero wrote a song about street harassment for an English class project this year. She sent it to me and has given me permission to share it with all of you!
She answered a few questions for me about her project and then the lyrics are pasted below that.
Thanks for your great work, Julia, and for using humor and your musical talents to bring more attention to the widespread problem of street harassment!
INTERVIEW:
SSH: What inspired you to write a song about street harassment?
Julia: For starters, I didn’t really know what street harassment was. After researching it, I realized that this topic wasn’t really going to be as well liked as other projects. My school, Central High School, isn’t in my opinion as well educated on this topic of harassment. I wanted to make my project educational but also more appealing to the fellow students. I thought a funny song was the way to do it. I wanted to give my peers more then the typical don’t street harass preaching.
SSH: What kind of responses have you gotten from people who’ve heard your song?
Julia: When I sang my song for the class, it was very interesting. As I was going up to sing people were quiet as if waiting for me. It was funny. I think they were expecting more of a lecturing song. When they realized it was a funny and not a hymn, they opened up and laughed. Afterwards, they began to ask me questions and most didn’t even know of the topic. The boys might have been a bit defensive but all in all, the song was a success.
SSH: What suggestions would you have for people your age who want to do something about street harassment, too?
Julia: I would suggest people my age to become more educated on harassment. Knowledge is something that is lacking. For those who want to do something about it, have courage! Listen to the annoying voice in your head pushing you to do something! Just go for it! Stand up for others and educate as you go. Contact female activists! Asking for help is never a crime.
LYRICS:
The Street Her-Ass-Men Song
Written By: Julia Romero
Male Perspective: Verse 1
Hey Baby
Nice Booty
I would tap dat all day long
Good morning sexy
I like your body
Be cat calling you from my car
Male Perspective: Pre-Chorus
Cuz you got it going on
And I’m turning oh so on
Girl you make me feel like I’m in control of you
But what you probably don’t know
If you ignore me little ho
Then I’ll dare put my hands on you
Don’t stand a chance against me
Chorus
Street Her-Ass-Men are real
You need to be prepared
Know what’s out there
You need to care
No matter if you’re black, tan or white
Whether you’re rich or not quite
You need to care
You need to be aware
Female Perspective: Verse 2
He just talked to me said
Girl, you got a nice booty
And I kind of felt flattered
I guess I needed the boost
But then he
Stayed right there
I guess I didn’t really want here
Just shake off the feeling
He will leave
Female Perspective: Pre-Chorus
Where’s my daddy where’s my bro
Did he just call me a ho
Boy you make me feel like I’m in danger
I thought just a comment couldn’t hurt
But why do I feel like such dirt
Please just stay away but hey
What are you doing touching my legs
Chorus
Street Her-Ass-Men are real
You need to be prepared
Know what’s out there
You need to care
No matter if you’re black, tan or white
Whether you’re rich or not quite
You need to care
You need to be aware
Female Perspective: Bridge
You see a comment can lead
To a lot of other things
So if you like random guys
Coming up and treating you to flattery
Wake up to reality
Fight against brutality
Stop future fatality
Of street her-ass-men
You need to be aware
Gretab says
She may be young, but she has a very good feel for then mindset on both sides that shows just how hurtful this is and that it is a power dynamic for men, not a way for them to “make us feel good”.