top of page
Writer's pictureRosendale

Rosendale - this is what it's like to be gay

Listen to "this is what it's like to be gay" on Spotify and Apple Music: https://fanlink.to/TIWILTBG


Support me on Patreon to download this song! http://www.patreon.com/rosendalesings


Stream "this is what it's like to be gay":


=====

Four years ago, I walked down a crowded street in Palo Alto with my boyfriend. It was one of the first times I felt brave enough to hold his hand out in public. I was nervous; my palms felt like little swimming pools.

A woman walked towards us and looked disgusted. She shot me one of the nastiest glances I had ever seen. She didn’t need to say what she was thinking; I already knew.


I mustered up the courage to look her in the eyes, and we held eye contact until she passed my shoulder. As she left, I felt upset but proud I was able to confront her gaze.

This was just one of the many times that this has happened to me. Over the past 30 years, there was a lot of teasing, a lot of shame, and a lot of lying to protect myself. I did my best to change myself for the better, and I’m still learning how to live honestly and authentically as I grow older.

I decided to write this song to tell my story as a gay person. It’s been hiding on my laptop for quite awhile, but I’m proud to share it with you guys.

I often need to remind myself that in some countries, you could be put to death for being gay. For all of the LGBT friends out there that are struggling, my wish is that this song gives you some hope. Things will get better, as long as we stay positive, love ourselves, and be proud of who we are. I think some day, people won’t flash us judgey eyes anymore. I don’t know if it will happen in this lifetime, but with every day that passes, we’re one step closer.

Happy pride month, everyone. Thank you for reading this and I love you all. xoxo

Rosendale




Rosendale - this is what it's like to be gay


Written and Recorded by Brian Wang

Guitar Arrangement by Jason Swanson

Guitar Accompaniment by Tony Nguyen (@windmeetswest)

Videography by Mark Balahadia (@balahadiamark)


=====

Lyrics:

When I was young I felt lonely

I thought I’d never find somebody else like me

In a playground full of big bullies

“You should go and hang out with the girls” they teased


Little jokes and silly names

It’s all fun and games

But now I’m at the bar with all of my good mates

And one of them asks what it’s like to be gay


So I say

People stare when you’re holding hands

And make you feel like you’re only half a man

Strangers flash you crooked smiles

That’s why I don’t get out for more than just a while

People mock and people shame

’Cause they think I’m strange

But I pick the pieces up and just move on

Somehow I find the patience to keep me strong


Now when I turn on the TV

It’s rainbow clouds and and rainbow crowds across the screen

But I have never found my peace

My hidden scars and troubled heart took over me


You don’t know what it feels like

To cry out your eyes

At 4 in the morning when nobody’s around

And you can finally scream out loud and proud


‘Cause people stare when you’re holding hands

And make you feel like you’re only half a man

Strangers flash you judgy eyes (ಠ_ಠ)

That’s why I don’t get out for more than just a while


When you were young you made big plans

But they think you’re damned

So you let the tough guys troll, the haters hate

‘Cause this is what it’s like

What it’s like to be gay

What it’s like

This is what it’s like

‘Cause this is what it’s like

What it’s like to be gay

What it’s like

This is what it’s like

‘Cause this is what it’s like

What it’s like to be gay


You might have clicked this song

‘Cause you thought it’d be happy

Thought you’d get a laugh

Thought it’d be amusing

Well I’m here to tell it like it is


But I still hope and I still pray

Someday things will change

That little boy all alone on the playground

Could really cheer up if he heard this song


‘Cause one day

People won’t stare when you’re holding hands

They’ll love you even if you love another man

You’ll put on your own big smile

And spread it across the world for a million miles


You’ll hold on to your big plans

And you’ll understand

You have all the power you need

To make a change

And show the whole world what it’s like to be gay

This is what it’s like

‘Cause this is what it’s like

What it’s like to be gay


Oh oh

‘Cause this is what it’s like

What it’s like to be gay

What it’s like

This is what it’s like

‘Cause this is what it’s like

What it’s like to be gay


What it’s like

This is what it’s like

‘Cause this is what it’s like

What it’s like to be gay


=====


More music:

Listen to my song "No Friends" here! https://biglink.to/nofriends


=====


Follow Rosendale (@RosendaleSings):

Bookings and inquiries: rosendalesings@gmail.com

181 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios


bottom of page