Refractory

I had originally written this song back in 2023 after feeling incredible anger and frustration with the ways
that prominent TERFs would claim that the harmful actions they take against the trans community, which
have already resulted in the deaths of multiple trans youths, were justified as a means to “protect lesbians.”
After October, the song took on a much deeper meaning as the Israeli government kept insisting that
committing a genocide against Palestinians was the only way to keep Jews safe. As someone with both
Arab and Jewish heritage, I found these statements to be disgusting. There is no justification for the
murder or tens of thousands of civilians in a “war.” This song is about how I am tired of having my
identities used as a pawn by people in power in order to justify their violent actions.

Claws – Refractory Period

Stop trying to defend me
I didn’t ask for your help
You think you’re gonna befriend me
But I couldn’t be more repelled
Cause you’re a walking contradiction
Just a pathetic little worm
You speak with too much conviction
So let me just reaffirm
That you don’t speak for me
Cause I don’t want to be your cause
I’m not your poster girl
I’m never gonna applaud
All of the pain and suffering you cause
All of the venom you hurl
Because you’re just a fraud
I got my claws out (x3)
I’m not gonna imitate you
You cannot bend me to your will
But I will incriminate you
For all the blood you have spilled
You say you’re fighting for my honor
That I’m a damsel in distress
You lead my loved ones to the slaughter
You think that makes me impressed?

No, you don’t speak for me
Cause I don’t want to be your cause
I’m not your poster girl
I’m never gonna applaud
All of the pain and suffering you cause
All of the venom you hurl
Because you’re just a fraud
I got my claws out (x3)
I’m gonna fight you
Gonna struggle
Gonna brawl
Gonna eviscerate you
Gonna make you crawl
You’re gonna rue the day
You tried to make me fall
Not gonna put me up against your wall
Cause I don’t want to be your cause
I’m not your poster girl
I’m never gonna applaud
All of the pain and suffering you cause

All of the venom you hurl
Because you’re just a fraud
I got my claws out