Resist - Janis Ian (Video by Carol Waechter)

From Janis: "For me, 'Resist' is the logical outgrowth of 'Society's Child' and 'At Seventeen'. It speaks to the same issues, in a completely different way. And while I played the acoustic and sang lead, credit to Randy Leago for playing and singing everything else on this track, arranging, and co-producing. There are a couple of 'Easter eggs' buried in there too, if you can hear them!"
* Lyrics below at the end.

RESIST (Janis Ian)

She is. She is. She is.
She is. She is. She is
She is. She is. She is
too short too fat too skinny
Too tall too plain too pretty
Too hot too wet too sticky
Too… picky
Oh, what an ugly girl. Oh, what an ugly girl.

Put her in high heels, so she can’t run
Carve out between her legs so she can’t come
Get her a dress, for easy access
Tell everybody that she’s just like all the rest

How long? How long, how long, how long
How long? How long, how long, how long

Tell me I’m ugly so I’ll buy your crap
Tell me you want me ‘cause I don’t talk back
Tell me I carry the original sin
Tell me I’m holy when I cover up my skin

Tell me that my body bears a permanent stain
Tell me we can marry if I give up my name
Call me your baby so I never grow up
Tell me you love me when you only want to fu-fu-fu-

Funny how I whisper and you think it’s a roar
You ask me to the table then you seat me on the floor
You want me to be sexy. You want me to be pure.
I cannot be your virgin and I will not be your whore.

Resist. Resist resist resist.
Resist. Resist resist resist.

It’s a funny kind of thing, when you sing a little song
and you get a couple people to sing along
It’s the power of community.
Authenticity changes your reality
I know it’s hard to believe when they’re yelling in your ear
and it’s the only voice you’re able to hear
But you raise up your fist and you learn to resist
and you say “I will not disappear”
I will not disappear. I will not disappear.
I will not disappear, I will not disappear.
I will not disappear.

Resist. Resist resist resist.
Resist. Resist resist resist.
Resist, resist, resist. Resist, resist, resist, resist
Resist

[cattypurry]

Just found out that Janis lost her voice to some non-covid virus and had to retire. I've been a huge fan since 1967. I'm sad for Janis, just like I was sad for Linda Ronstadt. Such a great artist. This song is so Janis. Thank you for over 50 years of great music Janis.❤

[shawnleprechaun]

I'm so glad I live in a Universe with Janis Ian in it!!!🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡Thank you for never disappearing!!!🌖♀️🌔

[rudypalma]

This woman is a living musical legend and deserves the according respect.

[ednagundersen]

I have been a fan of Janis Ian since "at seventeen " . She is my go to for every
meaningful event of my life. From my teen years, thru years of depression, thru the happy time, Janis was there with me. I went to her shows a couple times when I could afford it. Was amazing in the 80s and still amazing today. All of my kids are also huge fans from another generation. I feel that introducing my kids to Janis' music was a gift to them. I have never met Janis in person, but I know all her songs. He music has been like a treasure box that I can open at will and it's never empty and it never ceases to give me joy.

[kinsley]

phenomenal song ...
Janis still rockin' the world and stepping right over boundaries ...

[wizardoffrobozz]

we can raise our girls to be strong women,
but we must raise our boys to be compassionate humans.

[johncastellenas]

Dear Janis. I have loved your songs for many years. This song needs to be the song of this generation. Time for women to take back their rights. This is music.

[aliciaa.williamsed.d.]

Janis, We will NOT disappear! This is an incredible song and the video is amazing!!! We need this on every news channel everywhere. Love this song.

[virginiaframpton]

Thank you Janis, for once again bringing reality to the forefront. Love this.

[carlaatkins]

It's the power of community. Authenticity changes your reality. I loved Janis in high school; At Seventeen was my anthem. I love her more now in my late 60s, where Resist is my head and heart. THANK YOU, JANIS IAN‼️‼️

[lilithrogers]

WOW, Janis Ian this is GREAT!!!! RESIST!!!! Thank You....😍😍😍

[annsipes]

Women need to resist. My generation, my moms & my grandmothers fought for all these rights. I’m a senior citizen & still resist. Young women listen to this song & keep fighting for your rights!!

[forcedemodo]

I lost my dad 3 weeks ago and Ian's stranger came on the radio after I asked him to give me a sign. I fell in love with this album since...what a hidden gem.

[toniwagner]

Thank you, for your many years of fighting!

[thefamilygrave]

How have I only just heard this? It's fantastic ! 😍

[andrewgoldbergs]

Timing is perfect..2021 is the year of no longer accepting the normal.
Great message and gives the little people hope.

[johnevansmusic]

When I first heard the acoustic version of this it stopped me in my tracks. Didn't think you could better that but YOU DID!!!! Wow! What a song. What a performance. Cannot wait for the album.

[fatima]

From Society’s Child to this! You’re my favorite for a reason.

[susansimon]

Nailed it, as always. Keep speaking your truth to power, Janis.

[karene]

What can I say, LOVE IT. Song for the times.