Song meaning of Complex Female Characters by Sleater-Kinney

The lyrics of "Complex Female Characters" by Sleater-Kinney convey a message about the contradictory expectations society has for women. The chorus states, "I like those complex female characters, but I want my women to go down easy." This line represents the contradictory desires people often have for women, wanting them to be intriguing and complex but also wanting them to conform to traditional gender roles and be easygoing.

The first verse suggests a desire for women to please and entertain, alluding to the idea of women being objectified for the pleasure of others. The second chorus reiterates the expectation for women to use their attributes and appearance in a specific way, to "do them right" and "show up" according to someone else's preferences.

The bridge reveals the double bind women often face, being criticized for being "too much" or "not enough" of a woman based on societal expectations. This highlights the unfair judgments placed upon women and the constant pressure to conform to conflicting standards.

The repetition of the second chorus in the outro emphasizes the power of the male perspective and the role of imagination in shaping expectations for women. It suggests that no matter what women do, they cannot escape the objectifying gaze and unrealistic expectations imposed upon them.

Overall, the lyrics of "Complex Female Characters" critique the societal expectations placed on women, highlighting the paradoxical desire for complexity and independence while simultaneously demanding subservience and conformity. The song serves as a commentary on the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society and the need for equality and liberation.