Unjust Expectations: A Cry for Empowerment | Not Fair | Lily Allen

Lily Allen's song "Not Fair" is a powerful anthem about the unfair expectations placed on women in relationships. The song's lyrics speak directly to the frustration and disappointment that can come from feeling like one is constantly being asked to compromise and accommodate their partner's needs, without receiving the same level of support and understanding in return.

The song begins by Allen describing a situation where she has given her all to someone, only to have them take her for granted. She sings about how she tries to communicate her feelings and needs, but is met with indifference and a lack of emotional intelligence. The chorus, "It's not fair", becomes a rallying cry for women everywhere who feel like they are being taken advantage of.

One of the most striking aspects of the song is Allen's use of vivid imagery to describe the ways in which she has been mistreated. She sings about how her partner will ask her to do things that make her uncomfortable, but then gets upset when she says no. She describes feeling like she is walking on eggshells around this person, never knowing what they want or need from her.

Throughout the song, Allen also touches on the idea of societal pressure and expectation that can contribute to these kinds of power imbalances in relationships. She sings about how women are often socialized to prioritize their partner's needs over their own, and how this can lead to feelings of resentment and burnout. The line "I'm not a morning person" becomes a powerful symbol of the ways in which women are expected to conform to societal norms and expectations, even when it feels like a heavy burden.

Ultimately, "Not Fair" is a song about claiming one's own space and refusing to be taken advantage of. It is a call to arms for women everywhere who feel like they are being mistreated or disrespected in their relationships. As Allen sings, "It's not fair", but it is also a reminder that we don't have to accept these kinds of situations as normal. We deserve better.