Story Behind The Song

This song was written for a transexual friend who was born and raised as a female but who idenitfied as male from a young age. When he made the decision to affirm his gender as male his friends (including the songwriter) asked him how thery could best help with this important life transition. His response: "get dressed up and celebrate with me!"

Song Description

There are innumerable ways of caring for friends and lovers. This song describes a situation where the writer is asked to celebrate a friend's big life event by dressing up! The writer is more accustomed to less flamboyant ways of caring, but comes to realise that doing what is asked of her in this situation is what is most important.

Lyrics

DRESSING FOR YOU

oh to be in your shoes
I think my feet would blister
you say that won't be necessary
for the moment sister
you say my tools of trade
are of no value here
don't want reflective listening
don't want your empathetic ear

dressing for you
although I never dress for anyone
dressing for you
that's what you're asking me
dressing for you
you know I never dress for anyone
dressing for you
dressing for you

challenge my notions of
the things that caring might be
explore emotions that were
hitherto unknown to me
you say let's celebrate
a time of greater ease
a time of being who you are
and can I make an effort please

dressing for you
although I never dress for anyone
dressing for you
that's what you're asking me
dressing for you
you know I never dress for anyone
dressing for you
dressing for you

if ever there was a day
to be by your side
this is the one
the day your parents
farewell you as a daughter
and welcome you as their son

dressing for you
although I never dress for anyone
dressing for you
that's what you're asking me
dressing for you
you know I never dress for anyone
dressing for you
dressing for you
dressing for you

lyrics/music copyright vicki bennett