and don't step on my gown! Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down" celebrates LGBTQ+ pride, condemns online bullying and homophobia, and urges kindness. A vibrant anthem for acceptance. #TOEIC550 #英検Pre-1 #CEFR B2
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."
For example, if you tease me or call me a name, I might respond with this phrase. It's to let you know that you can't upset me or make me angry by your words.
(Of course, when someone calls you names, it really does hurt, but this is a way not to retaliate.)
In the song, Taylor Swift is saying that, no matter what people (acting like snakes) might say about her online, it won't affect her because "words can never hurt me".
No, but I think Taylor was saying that the people who were criticizing her were like snakes. You can't always see them, but they're there lurking in the shadows, both the snakes and the anonymous writers on Internet.
What a wonderful and timely use of her talent and enormous platform to try to turn down the heat on those whose lives are already challenging enough. Thanks for spreading the word - music Louise.
Good morning Louise,
Could you tell me why she talks about “snakes,” “stones” and “bones” in the following line?
And snakes and stones never broke my bones
Mitsuru Hiki
Hi, Mitsuru! Certainly.
The original phrase comes from a child's rhyme:
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."
For example, if you tease me or call me a name, I might respond with this phrase. It's to let you know that you can't upset me or make me angry by your words.
(Of course, when someone calls you names, it really does hurt, but this is a way not to retaliate.)
In the song, Taylor Swift is saying that, no matter what people (acting like snakes) might say about her online, it won't affect her because "words can never hurt me".
Hope this helps!
Louise,
Thank you for your reply and explanation.
So it is related to a child's rhyme "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." I feel I'm one phrase wiser.
I don't want to take more time of you, but why "snakes" in stead of "stones"? Can snakes break someone's bones?
Mitsuru
No, but I think Taylor was saying that the people who were criticizing her were like snakes. You can't always see them, but they're there lurking in the shadows, both the snakes and the anonymous writers on Internet.
Thank you!
What a wonderful and timely use of her talent and enormous platform to try to turn down the heat on those whose lives are already challenging enough. Thanks for spreading the word - music Louise.