"Girls have got balls. They're just a little higher up that's all"

Joan Jett’s statement, “Girls have got balls. They're just a little higher up that’s all,” is a witty, subversive challenge to traditional gender stereotypes regarding courage, assertiveness, and toughness. The phrase “having balls” has long been a colloquial way to denote bravery and boldness, rooted in a male-centric metaphor that equates physical anatomy with virtues like fearlessness and power. Jett’s clever twist turns this phrase on its head, acknowledging the metaphor while simultaneously reclaiming it for women, suggesting that the qualities typically lauded as “ballsy” are not owned by one gender—they simply manifest differently.

Referencing “a little higher up” alludes to breasts, serving as both a physical and symbolic assertion. It implies that strength, bravery, and resilience are just as inherent in women as in men, but may be recognized through different forms or expressions. Rather than seeking to imitate or attain validation from male-oriented standards, Jett emphasizes that women possess their own intrinsic power. The use of humor not only diffuses the seriousness of the cliché but also empowers, mocking restrictive societal narratives.

Underlying her words is a critique of the way language can reinforce gender divisions in how we perceive and value strength. By appropriating the phrase and adapting its imagery, Jett highlights the arbitrariness of associating bravery with male physical characteristics and delivers a call for redefining attributes like courage and confidence through a more inclusive, feminist perspective. Her rebellion against conformity is palpable, reinforcing her own punk-rock ethos while championing the idea that women are already, in every sense, capable and formidable.

Ultimately, Jett’s remark encourages listeners to question conventional wisdom about gender roles, confront linguistic biases, and celebrate female gutsiness—however it looks or where it’s located. It’s both a celebration of women’s strength and a reminder to stop seeking permission to be bold.