Before I was 5
I was told that ladies sit with their knees together
That I should'nt play rough with my brother
That girls played house and pretended to be a mum or a wife

Before I was 10
I was told to help wish to dishes
That I had to do things against my wishes
That this was less expected of a man

Before I was 20
I was told I was fat
That nice ladies don't dress like that
That a salad for lunch was plenty
Blah blah blah

Before I was 30
I was told I had an expiration date
That I had to find a good mate
That it was about time I marry

Before I was 40
I was told I had to be the best mother
Do well at my job and focus on my daughter
That I'm should still look like I'm 30

Now that I'm 40
With a daughter growing up so quickly
Who is soft and feminine and also tough and gritty
I'll raise her to make her own rules and be
Whoever she wants to be