The Story Lyrics by Ani DiFranco

The Story Lyrics

    I would have returned your greeting
    if it weren't for the way you were looking at me
    this street is not a market
    and I am not a commodity
    don't you find it sad that we can't even say hello
    'cause you're a man
    and I'm a woman
    and the sun is getting low
    there are some places that I can't go
    as a woman I can't go there
    and as a person I don't care
    I don't go for the hey baby what's your name
    and I'd alone thank you
    just the same

    I am up again against
    the skin of my guitar
    in the window of my life
    looking out through the bars
    I am sounding out the silence
    avoiding all the words
    I'm afraid I've said too much
    I'm afraid of who has heard me

    my father, he told me the story
    and it was true
    for his time
    but now the story's different
    maybe I should tell him mine
    all the girls line up here
    all the boys on the other side
    I see your ranks are advancing
    I see mine are left behind

    I am up again against
    the skin of my guitar
    in the window of my life
    looking out through the bars
    I am sounding out the silence
    avoiding all the words
    I'm afraid I can never say enough
    I'm afraid no one has heard me

    and despite all the balls that I've been thrown
    and forced to drop
    on the social totem pole
    I'm preciously close to the top
    the put you in your place
    and they tell you to behave
    but no one can be free
    until we're all on even grade

    and I would have returned your greeting
    if it weren't for the way you were looking at me

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