Taylor Swifts song The Man addresses gender inequalities and how a womans actions and achievements would be perceived if she were a man. Taylor expresses frustration with societal and music industry double standards. The lyrics serve as a social critique and reflection on sexism.
Key: C
F
G
I would be complex, I would be cool
C
Am
They'd say I played the field before I found someone to commit to
F
G
And that would be okay for me to do
C
Am
Every conquest I had made would make me more of a boss to you
F
I'd be a fearless leader
G
I'd be an alpha type
C
When everyone believes ya
Am
What's that like?
F
G
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can
C
Am
Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man
F
G
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again
C
Am
'Cause if I was a man, then I'd be the man
F
G
I'd be the man
C
Am
I'd be the man
F
G
They'd say I hustled, put in the work
C
Am
They wouldn't shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve
F
G
What I was wearing, if I was rude
C
Am
Could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves
F
G
And they would toast to me, oh, let the players play
C
Am
I'd be just like Leo in Saint Tropez
F
G
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can
C
Am
Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man
F
G
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again
C
Am
'Cause if I was a man, then I'd be the man
F
G
I'd be the man
C
Am
I'd be the man
F
What's it like to brag about raking in dollars
G
And getting bitches and models?
C
And it's all good if you're bad
Am
And it's okay if you're mad
F
G
If I was out flashing my dollars, I'd be a bitch not a baller
C
They'd paint me out to be bad
Am
So, it's okay that I'm mad
F
G
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can
C
Am
Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man (You know that)
F
G
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again (Coming at me again)
C
'Cause if I was a man (If I was a man)
Am
Then I'd be the man (Then I'd be the man)
F
G
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can (As fast as I can)
C
Am
Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man (Hey)
F
G
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again (Coming at me again)
C
Am
'Cause if I was a man (If I was a man), then I'd be the man