"Before I put another notch in my lipstick case, you better make sure you put me in my place"
- Pat Benatar
About this Quote
The quote in concern is a line from "Struck Me with Your Finest Shot," a song by Pat Benatar released in 1980. This specific line records a sense of assertiveness and empowerment, typical styles in Benatar's music, and shows the broader cultural shifts occurring during that period, particularly around gender functions and female empowerment.
The phrase "Before I put another notch in my lipstick case" can be interpreted as a metaphor for adding another tally to individual experiences or conquests, be they romantic or otherwise. In this context, the "lipstick case" serves as a symbolic item connected with womanhood and personal expression, suggesting that the speaker is experienced and positive in navigating relationships. The act of putting a "notch" suggests counting or keeping score, which presents a component of difficulty and assertiveness.
The second part, "you better ensure you put me in my location," presents an appealing dynamic. Generally, "putting somebody in their place" implies asserting dominance or fixing habits. Here, however, it becomes a difficulty or test. The speaker attempts the other person to rise to the occasion, to meet her head-on with equivalent strength and self-confidence. It's a declaration of independence: the speaker is unafraid of conflict and is clear that any attempt to subdue or underestimate her need to be well-considered.
Overall, this line works as an effective declaration of individual strength and equality. It shows an age when females were significantly singing in asserting their rights and redefining conventional functions. Benatar's delivery of these lyrics underscores a confident defiance, resonating with anyone who values self-regard and mutual regard in relationships. The interaction of challenge and womanhood makes it a remarkable and thought-provoking statement on personal power and equality.
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