“I’m Gone” by Ginger Cowgirl is an Anti-Ode to Fragile Tough Guy Masculinity

GingerCowgirl_cover_crop — Ginger Cowgirl, image courtesy the artist

Stacy Antonel of Ginger Cowgirl minces no words on “I’m Gone.” She starts out singing about how she’s tired of the endless disappointments and her tolerance for them in an ex-lover. And of the culture that produces men whose range of outward emotional expression goes from simple lust to a charade of strength that is really an unwillingness to be vulnerable and, in the end, real and giving. The stoic tough guy thing gets old and tiring to maintain when you are a man but having to deal with that nonsense across a lifetime when you want genuine connection with someone has to be incredibly frustrating. How many times have you had conversations with men who talk about how women are emotional but they’re not and yet get upset about anything at all? Best to drop the facade and live like a human and risk getting hurt and feeling that in the moment and having a dynamic inner life that you can share with others and not feel ashamed about letting it show. This song is about that from the perspective of someone who has had more than her share of it all. For fans of Neil Young at his most world-wearily tender. Listen below and follow Ginger Cowgirl at the links provided.