Lyrics of There are Worse Things I Could Do — Stockard Channing

The song "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" by Stockard Channing, from the musical "Grease," delves into the conplex inner life of a seemingly rebellious character, revealing her depth and vulnerability. The lyrics serve as a poignant reflection of her self-awareness and the judgments she faces from society.

The song starts by addressing the societal perception of her as a proniscuous and disreputable person, indicated by her association with multiple boys. Despite acknowledging these rumors, the character asserts that there are indeed worse actions she could partake in, subtly challenging societal norms about women's behavior.

She then describes behaviors typically associated with flirtation and leading people on, such as smiling, dancing closely, and creating false hopes of romantic interest, only to reject them later. However, she clarifies that such manipulative actions are not in her nature, indicating a sense of integrity and honesty in her interactions, despite her reputation.

The character also contemplates the conventional path of waiting passively for the perfect partner ("Mr. Right") and sacrificing her own desires for a potentially unattainable dream. This reflects her awareness of traditional female roles and her refusal to conform to them.

In a powerful turn, she reflects on her own emotional depth, asserting that while she doesn't engage in overtly harmful actions like stealing or lying, she possesses the capacity to feel deeply and experience sorrow. The vulnerability of showing these emotions, especially in front of others, is highlighted as her greatest fear, more daunting than any judgment for her alleged promiscuity.

The song, thus, is a thoughtful exploration of a woman's reputation versus her reality, the societal expectations of female behavior, and the inner strength it takes to live authentically in the face of judgment and stereotype. It's a commentary on the harsh labels often placed on women and a testament to the character's personal integrity and emotional depth.