About The Song
In the vast landscape of country music, few artists have wielded honesty and grit as masterfully as Loretta Lynn. Her ability to speak plainly, yet powerfully, about the experiences of women—particularly those in rural, working-class communities—set her apart from many of her contemporaries. One of the most striking examples of this fearless candor is her 1967 single, “What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am)”. With its defiant tone and sharp lyrical bite, this song offers a direct challenge to the double standards and moral judgments often imposed on women, particularly within the context of romantic relationships.
“What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am)” was released during a time when country radio was not particularly receptive to outspoken female voices. Yet Lynn’s growing popularity—and her unwavering authenticity—gave her a platform to express what many women thought but few dared to say out loud. The song centers around a woman standing her ground after being propositioned by a man who clearly believes she’ll surrender her dignity easily. Rather than fall into the familiar trope of heartbreak or submission, Lynn’s narrator fires back, demanding respect and asserting her self-worth with a tone that is equal parts righteous and razor-sharp.
The brilliance of this song lies in its simplicity. Lynn doesn’t cloak her message in metaphor or poetic abstraction; she asks the question plainly: “What kind of a girl do you think I am?” It’s a question that echoes far beyond the bounds of a single relationship. It’s a line drawn in the sand, a refusal to be objectified or misjudged. In this sense, the song functions as an early feminist anthem, though Lynn herself was never one to adopt political labels. What she did do—consistently and courageously—was use her voice to tell the truth, as she saw it, and in doing so, she gave voice to countless others.
Musically, the song fits well within the traditional country mold of the 1960s: twangy steel guitar, a steady shuffle rhythm, and minimalistic production that leaves ample room for the vocals to shine. And shine they do. Lynn’s delivery is confident, firm, and utterly unshakable. She doesn’t scream or shout—she doesn’t need to. Her strength is in her resolve, in her ability to say “no” without apology or hesitation.
“What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am)” is a testament to Loretta Lynn’s enduring power as a storyteller and cultural voice. In just over two minutes, she delivers a song that is bold, biting, and profoundly relevant—even decades after its release. It’s not just a defense of personal integrity; it’s a statement of principle from a woman who refused to be defined by anyone else’s expectations.
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Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
You want me to prove my love for youI’m surprised that’s the way you’re askin’ me toYou’ve known me so long I can’t understandWhat kind of a girl do you think I am.What kind of a girl do you want for a wifeDo you want a girl who knows that much about lifeWell if that’s what you want take me out of your plansWhat kind of a girl do you think I am.— Instrumental —What kind of a girl would do the thingsYou’re askin’ me to without wedding ringsIs it what you must do to prove you’re a manWhat kind of a girl do you think I am.What kind of a girl do you want for a wifeDo you want a girl who knows that much about lifeWell if that’s what you want take me out of your plansWhat kind of a girl do you think I am…
