The meaning of 50 50 by Sleater Kinney

Sleater-Kinney's "50/50" is a high-energy song that explores themes of relationships, communication, and the struggle for equality. The lyrics, sung by Corin Tucker, are a call to action, urging her partner to meet her halfway in their partnership.

The song's title refers to the idea that in many relationships, one person often takes on more responsibility or control than the other. In "50/50," Tucker sings about the need for both parties to be equal and engaged in order for the relationship to truly thrive. She's not looking for someone to take care of her or make all the decisions – she wants a partner who will meet her halfway and share the load.

Throughout the song, Tucker's vocals are sharp and insistent, punctuated by Carrie Brownstein's driving guitar riffs and Janet Weiss's pounding drums. The music is propulsive and intense, capturing the sense of urgency that comes with feeling like you're not being heard or seen in your relationship.

Lyrically, "50/50" is a powerful exploration of the ways in which relationships can be imbalanced. Tucker sings about the frustration of feeling like she's doing all the work, while her partner seems to be taking things easy. She's not looking for someone to solve all her problems or make everything perfect – she just wants a partner who will be present and engaged.

The song's chorus is a rallying cry, with Tucker urging her partner to "meet me halfway" and acknowledge their shared responsibility in the relationship. It's a call to action that feels both personal and universal, speaking to the experiences of countless women (and men) who have felt like they're carrying the load in their relationships.

Overall, "50/50" is a standout track from Sleater-Kinney's 2000 album "All Hands on Deck." It's a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, with a powerful message about the importance of equality and communication in our most important relationships.