Free
Vulture

"Manchild" and other songs about male incompetence

Listen in app
Looking for relationship advice? Skip the self-help books and turn to Sabrina Carpenter's latest single "Manchild" instead. This deep dive into the art of musical insults reveals how pop's newest sensation joins a legendary lineage of women artists who've perfected the craft of calling out incompetent men through song. From Dolly Parton's subversive "Dumb Blonde" to TLC's iconic "No Scrubs," there's an entire musical tradition of witty takedowns that reclaim power through clever wordplay, genre-hopping arrangements, and lyrical traps that expose male vanity.

MORE

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive your own bingo card!

Songs discussed

Sabrina Carpenter "Manchild"

Sabrina Carpenter "Espresso"

Olivia Rodrigo "Driver's License"

The Beatles "Get Back"

Heart "Barracuda"

Dolly Parton "Dumb Blonde"

Sabrina Carpenter "Please Please Please"

TLC "No Scrubs"

Destiny's Child "Bills, Bills, Bills"

Destiny's Child "Independent Women Part 1"

Shania Twain "That Don't Impress Me Much"

Carly Simon "You're So Vain"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
0:30:19
Publication year
2025
Have you already read it? How did you like it?
👍👎
fb2epub
Drag & drop your files (not more than 5 at once)