Item Songs

Even when a woman is in complete control of her sexuality, she is termed an item 

She is expected to be tall and fair, with ample bosom to spare, and of course - slim 

She must still depend on a man for money, housing and transport 

Then be blamed and shamed when the marriage doesn't end well and she needs to collect spousal support  

Sheila was known for her flair, sure, but she was mostly known for her youth 

Without a crease in her saree, blemish on her face, or a single yellow tooth 

These songs fill a demand in a saturated market of lust filled men 

I believe that this will change someday, but I honestly couldn't say when 

Maybe when lines about harassing a youthful beauty will go out of style and feel dated 

In a culture that thrives on your objectification, it's hard not to feel used and hated

My feet still tap to the beats and I dance on lyrics that further my oppression 

Because it's inescapable, at every party and wedding, on every radio station 

I can't help but sing along to words that I know are wrong and sometimes I make them more empowering 

And sometimes I skip my name inside the track as i groove and sing while I am showering 

But I am not an item, no matter what I wear or sing 

I am a full human being and everything 

I am not an object, and that's not for them to decide 

Because I raise a finger to their laws and labels and simply refuse to abide