MARINA

Lyrics

[Chorus 1]
You can paint me any colour
And I can be your clown
But you ain't got my number
Yeah, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down

[Verse 1]
Now I got your back up what do you not like?
Do you think I'm stuck up 'cause I'm always picking fights?
You might think I'm one thing, but I am another
You can't call my bluff, time to back off, motherfucker

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Do you really want me to write a feminist anthem?
I'm happy cooking dinner in the kitchen for my husband
Yeah, yeah

[Chorus 1]
You can paint me any colour
And I can be your clown
But you ain't got my number
No, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down
[Verse 2]
You ain't got me sussed yet, you're not even close
Baby, it's the one thing that I hate the most
All these contradictions pouring out of me
Just another girl in the 21st century

[Pre-Chorus 2]
I am never gonna give you anything you expect
You think I'm like the others, boy, you need to get your eyes
Checked, checked

[Chorus 1]
You can paint me any colour
And I can be your clown
But you ain't got my number
No, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down

[Bridge]
I could be your sister, I could be your mother
I could be your neighbour, I could be your lover
Do you like my body, do you like my mind?
What is it that you are having trouble to define?

[Pre-Chorus 2]
I am never gonna give you anything you expect
You think I'm like the others, boy, you need to get your eyes
Checked, checked
[Chorus 2]
You can paint me any colour
I can be your Russian doll
But you ain't got my number
No, you can't make me small
You can paint me any colour
And I can be your clown
But you ain't got my number
No, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down

[Outro]
Yeah, you can't pin me down
Yeah, you can't pin me down

Are you tired of being pigeonholed, being judged for things you haven't even said, or being misunderstood because of the way you look? Do you feel the need to defend yourself and your work constantly? If so, then you'll find solace in Can't Pin Me Down by MARINA. It's a song about letting your creativity run wild, being yourself, and confounding expectations. With its bold lyrics, throbbing beats, and MARINA's powerful voice, Can't Pin Me Down is a rallying cry for individuality, artistic freedom, and feminism.

About Can’t Pin Me Down

It's rare these days to find a song that speaks so beautifully to the heart of a problem that many creatives face - the presumption that because of their background, gender, or aesthetics, they are easy to define. Can't Pin Me Down is one of those songs. It's a fierce, danceable title track from MARINA's "Froot" album, and it finds the artist at her most defiant. Its is a fast-paced track that is full of different sounds that make it fun to listen to.

The song is a reflection of the frustration that comes with being put into neat boxes and judged by others who don't take the time to really appreciate the complexities of an artist. MARINA takes this issue on full-force in the song, calling out those who have ignorantly put her in the same box as other females that are in the entertainment industry. Her point, which is the message of the entire song, is that she cannot be limited to, or defined by, the common perceptions of what a female entertainer is supposed to be.

The song begins with MARINA announcing, “I am unpredictable / I am a mystery / You’ll never figure me out.” This particular line sets the tone for the entire song as MARINA pulls no punches with her lyrics. In the rest of the song, she goes on to say, “You can’t pin me down.... I am not a pop star / I’m not a garbage musician” and continues on later with the lyrics, “I’ll blow your mind, take you on a ride…You think I’m like the others/Boy, you need to get your eyes checked.”

All the verses in the song focus on how she cannot be easily categorized, and therefore she shouldn't be judged or underestimated, especially by men. She urges them to reexamine their beliefs and start seeing her for who she really is. The refrain, “You don’t own me” is an anthem that makes it clear that she is her own person and will not be dictated to. Whether she’s fighting against the conventional image of femininity or just the pattern of expectations within the entertainment industry, this embodiment of the individual spirit is inspiring.

The song drives home the point that women, particularly in the entertainment industry are often portrayed in a one-dimensional way, with MARINA herself feeling like her artistry was being misunderstood. Thus, the song is a satirical attack on stereotypes, and a declaration of independence. “Can’t Pin Me Down” and its memorable chorus are not just a testament to MARINA's unstoppable spirit, but also a source of inspiration for anyone who feels held back or misrepresented by societal constraints.

Inspiration for the Song

MARINA was frustrated by the way people, both men and women, were perceiving her as an artist and how they had put her into a ‘feminine stereotype’ that limited her individuality and creativity. She wanted to break from the mould and create songs that didn't let that effect the quality of her music. MARINA wanted to express the fact that individuality should be celebrated and nurtured.

She was fed up with people not allowing her the freedom to be an artist. The message was all about feeling empowered, and that is exactly what she was aiming for with the song. The song is the first of its kind that captures the essence of the artist's frustration with the entertainment industry.

Impact of the Song

Can't Pin Me Down by MARINA is a song that challenged the status quo. With its powerful message of advocating for the freedom of creatives to be who they want to be, the song has had a huge impact on the feminist and creative community, with many people actually taking her message seriously and championing for more opportunities to be given to creatives outside of established stereotypes.

The song has sparked conversations about the entertainment industry and has ignited a movement of artists standing up for themselves and their craft. People are taking notice of the powerful message and sound of the song, creating a wave that is inspiring change.

In addition to a bigger impact within the music industry, Can't Pin Me Down has also encouraged and empowered listeners to be unapologetically themselves. It inspires individuals to speak up against society's expectations and to embrace their individuality. As a result, the song's impact has spread far beyond the music industry, echoing in the broader society as a powerful reminder that individuals should be free to be themselves without fear of being judged, disrespected, or ridiculed.

The Verdict

In the end, Can't Pin Me Down by MARINA is a song that challenges gender roles, stereotyping, and societal expectations. The song brings an empowering message that anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or oppressed can relate to. It's a celebration of individuality and the power of choice, backed up by catchy beats, poetic lyrics, and a defiant spirit that is hard to ignore.

Can't Pin Me Down is a song that will be remembered for years to come as a groundbreaking anthem for feminism, creativity, and the freedom of expression. It has clearly opened up a stark conversation about labeling and categorizing creatives and has instilled hope, confidence, and desire in millions who were once muted, yet now, are free to sing on the highest mountaintops.

• Release Date: March 13, 2015
• Artist: MARINA