10 True Things As Sung By Jenny From The Block
By Kat George
1. “You get back what you put out”
I remember the first week I was in New York and I was riding the 6 with a girlfriend when a light bulb flashed above my head. We were on the 6. On The 6. J-Lo to this headline clips. I don’t think I need to recount the all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza that ensued. But Jenny is right—no matter where you go, how high you soar; don’t forget where you came from, and the people who always supported you. In the end, your success is not because you are “special” or “different,” it’s because you worked really damn hard for it, and everyone is working really damn hard, all the time, just like you, which makes everyone the same in the end.
2. “All my pride is all I have”
Damn straight girl. Don’t let some fool mess around on you even if his middle name is “Cool.” Hold onto your self-respect and dignity, because that’s what’s going to get you through the rough times. Without it, you wont be able to support, or believe in, yourself.
3. “So before I do give myself to you I have to know the truth”
Your love is like gold, and those who receive it should treat it as such. Communication is the key—find out what that man’s intentions are because if they’re to squander your precious affection, then it’s time to grab your keys and go. On a side note, isn’t it funny how break-up songs generally involve people looking for/grabbing their keys before they walk out, as if that’s the most important thing? What about their phone, wallet, shoes, MacBook Pro, or bucket of feta cheese? I think these are equally as important to survival post storm-out.
4. “Baby credit cards aren’t romance—so you’re trying to buy what’s already yours? What I need from is not available in stores”
You can’t buy someone’s affection, and you don’t need to. Great if you’re a baller and want to lavish the one you love with gifts and fancy dinners, but don’t forget the real stuff—the loyalty, affection and communication.
5. “Ya lips talkin’ bout I play too much, can’t a woman take advantage of what she wants?”
Girls just wanna have fun. If you’re going to pass judgment on women having a good time—whether it be drinking, dancing, dressing up or sleeping with men—you can go fuck yourself. Jenny said it.
6. “Life is meant to be big fun, you’re not hurting anyone, nobody loses. Let the music make you free, be what you want to be, make no excuses”
Do what feels good, all the time, because life is a party. As long as you’re not hurting anyone, do whatever you can do to make you happy, and never be ashamed of it or worry about what other people are saying. Case in point: Jenny married Marc Antony.
7. “Quit trying to play it cool, boy, make your move, I told you how it is, nothin’ to lose. You been starin’ over here all night for free, and I ain’t takin’ no cash or credit, just a guarantee”
Stop eye-fucking people from across the bar; grow a pair and approach them! They’re probably eye-fucking you back (well Jenny is at least) and want you to make a move, you big ass pussy.
8. “Everybody gets a chance to burn, you can take it as a chance to learn”
There are lessons to be learned from all your mistakes and heartache, so when the going gets tough, hit the books of life and educate yourself.
9. “Keep dancin’ all night long; it feels so right that it can’t be wrong”
Dancing is the best medicine. That or laugher. Let loose. Your body and mind will thank you for writhing to your favourite songs until the sun comes up.
10. “We go back too far, we’ve been through it all, even though we haven’t spoke in so long ain’t nothing has changed”
There are some people in your life that are as intrinsically part of you as the nose on your face. You might not pay them a lot of attention, all the time, but you are joined by virtue of shared experience. These are some of the most important people in your life, because no matter what sort of distance grows between you, you can always rely on them when you need them. Jenny is extra lucky—she has Fat Joe.