From my mother I learned to walk with my head raised high.
From my friends I learned to walk with my head hung low.
From my mother I learned that I was beautiful.
From my friends I learned that I was plain from head to toe.

From my mother I learned to be kind to people.
From my friends I learned to be cruel at will.
From my mother I learned to respect my body.
From my friends I learned how to swallow the pill.

From my mother I learned that the special boy would come.
From my friends I learned that first I had to go with anyone.
From my mother I learned that I was a pearl.
From my friends I learned that I was no one.