Notes on the song lyrics
Here I try to tackle the subject of domestic violence, which is not an easy or cheery subject. Women remain the main victims, with an average of 2 women killed by their male partner every week in the UK, yet it remains a largely unreported and unpunished crime - so a worthy subject if not a happy one. The lyrics might not manage to reflect the violence and effects of this crime, but what I have tried to do is weave references to rhythm, time and music to the plight of women sufferers. I tried different genres with this, but settled on the trip hop version which seems to compliment the rhythm references in the lyrics.
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Lyrics
Ode, ode to the rhythm,
Owned, owned by the man,
He keeps time clicking fingers,
While she serves on demand.
Chorus:
Every time she feels like a woman,
Every time he beats like a man,
Every time she feels like a woman,
Every time he beats like a man.
He beats fists with a passion,
On skin tight as a drum,
She counts her days in this prison,
But her song has barely begun.
Chorus
I've got this feeling,
I've got this feeling,
I've got this feeling,
I've been sold,
I've got this feeling,
I've been sold.
This time close to the knuckle,
While she shuffles her feet,
When he strikes out the rhythm,
She offers him the other cheek.
Chorus
Reviews
Rhythm was included in the Women of Substance Music With A Conscience series in September/October 2020.