Meaning and Lyrics of What Girls Do by Leah Kate

Leah Kate’s “What Girls Do” can be seen as a bold assertion of feminine independence and a challenge to societal norms about female behavior, especially in the context of relationships and social expectations. The song is set within the framework of a high-energy, unapologetically rebellious pop anthem that encapsulates the ethos of modern young women who are unapologetically themselves.

Verse 1 sets the tone immediately: “All my exes live on second and Bowery / Shed so many tears here, my garden is flowering.” This clever juxtaposition of past heartbreaks with the metaphor of a flourishing garden provides a vivid image of personal growth and resilience. The line “I love coming back in my miniskirt plaid / Tonight we’re getting plastered” is a nod to youthful exuberance and defiance. Here, Leah Kate embraces a carefree, almost hedonistic attitude toward life’s social rituals, rejecting regret in favor of living in the moment: “Don’t regret decisions when I’m drinking my calories.”

The verse culminates in a brilliantly acerbic twist: “When I act like a bitch, I’d like to thank the academy / I’m a dime, I’m a catch, I recycle my trash.” By poking fun at herself with an “awards speech” for her so-called bad behavior, Leah Kate is both self-aware and cheekily defiant, laying claim to her imperfections and strengths alike.

The Chorus reinforces this theme of autonomy and defiance: “That’s what, that’s what girls do / Dump you, and your friends too / No one tells us what to do, ooh, ooh.” It’s a declaration of independence that flips the traditional script of female passivity in relationships on its head. The repetition of “That’s what girls do” acts almost as a mantra, driving home the point that these actions are not just isolated incidents but part of a broader, empowering phenomenon.

In Verse 2, the dynamics of power and attraction are explored further: “Boys get really threatened when sexy meets confidence / Hot like the sauce, yeah, you better like condiments.” Here, Leah Kate addresses the discomfort that confident women can provoke in men, using playful analogies to highlight how female allure coupled with self-assurance is both powerful and intimidating. The verse continues with more irreverent fun: “Ask me to dance, wanna take off my pants / (Okay) I’ll worry about it after.” This lyric captures the spontaneous, ‘live now, think later’ attitude of the song.

Leah Kate also touches on the camaraderie and solidarity inherent among women: “Come to the bathroom with me, I got some shit I need to tell ya / Help me not overthink, or should we hit that party? Hell yeah.” It’s a peek into those secretive, supportive, and often chaotic moments that friends share, further emphasizing the song’s theme of feminine solidarity and mutual support.

The Pre-Chorus and Chorus return with their empowering declarations, but it’s the chorus’s final iteration that sharpens the message: “Hang up, never call you / Red lips, always leave ’em blue,” indicating that the energy and charisma of women like Leah Kate leave a lasting impression—often to the dismay of those left behind.

The Post-Chorus and Outro serve as a rhythmic, almost hypnotic reaffirmation of the song’s core message. The repetition of “ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh” functions as both a catchy earworm and a universal chant—a celebration of the very essence of what it means to take control of one’s narrative and revel in one’s autonomy.

Ultimately, “What Girls Do” is a vibrant, rebellious anthem that challenges the traditional narratives surrounding female identity and relationships. Leah Kate uses shrewd lyricism, cultural references, and bold declarations to turn the tables on conventional expectations, making a strong case for the modern, unapologetic woman. This track is not so much an evolution in Kate’s discography as it is a crystallization—a confident assertion of her artistic persona and a resonant statement for listeners who find liberation in its fearless authenticity.