Massive Attack – Protection

As a general rule of thumb, trip-hop/electronica, etc. doesn’t usually get thought of as a form strong on lyrics. And that’s probably justifiable.

That said, Beth Gibbons/Portishead have produced genius music that is just as rich with lyrics as it is with music.

And, if you don’t think these lyrics are badass, then I can’t do nothin’ for ya:

“Protection”

This girl I know needs some shelter
But she don’t believe anyone can help her
She’s doing so much harm doing so much damage
But you don’t want to get involved
You tell her she can manage
Now you can’t change the way she feels
But you could put your arm around her

I know you want to live yourself
But could you forgive yourself
If you left her just the way you found her

I’ll stand in front of you
I’ll take the force of the blow
Protection
I’ll stand in front of you
I’ll take the force of the blow
Protection

You’re a boy and I’m a girl
But you know you can lean on me
And I don’t have no fear
I’ll take on any man here
Who says that’s not the way it should be

I’ll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection
I’ll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection

She’s a girl and you’re a boy
Sometimes you look so small (look so small)
You’ve got a baby of your own
When your baby’s gone
She’ll be the one
To catch you when you fall

I’ll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection
I’ll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection

You’re a girl and I’m a boy
You’re a girl and I’m a boy
Yeah
You’re a girl and I’m a boy
You’re a girl and I’m a boy

Sometimes you look so small
I need some shelter
Just run around helter skelter
And I’ve leaned on you before
Now you can lean on me
That’s more then it will ever be
That’s the way it should be
I can’t change the way you feel
But I could put my arms around you
That’s just part of the deal
That’s the way I feel
I’ll put my arms around you

I’ll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection
I’ll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection

You’re a boy and I’m a girl
You’re a boy and I’m a girl
Hey
You’re a boy and I’m a girl
You’re a boy and I’m a girl

In my previous post, I was talking about heroes for my daughter. When she sings this song—and she does—I am filled with hope. For beauty, for strength, for music, for my daughter.

Please world, give us more of this. We all, not just our daughters, need this so bad.