In these shoes?

Kirsty MacColl's song 'In These Shoes?' is a witty and playful exploration of a woman's refusal to conform to the adventurous and often impractical romantic fantasies proposed by various men. The song's protagonist encounters different men who suggest grandiose and adventurous escapades, but she humorously declines each offer, citing her impractical footwear as the reason. This recurring motif of 'in these shoes?' serves as a metaphor for her broader reluctance to engage in these unrealistic and potentially uncomfortable situations, preferring instead to stay grounded and practical.

The song opens with the protagonist meeting a man with a 'sense of adventure' who suggests making love on a mountain top. Her response, 'In these shoes? I don't think so,' sets the tone for the rest of the song. This line is both literal and metaphorical, indicating her unwillingness to participate in such an impractical and uncomfortable scenario. The same pattern follows when she meets a man in Guadalajara who offers a horseback ride to a secluded spot and an Englishman who wants her to walk on his spine. Each time, she humorously declines, preferring to stay in the comfort of her current surroundings.

The chorus, sung in Spanish, adds an extra layer of cultural commentary. 'No le gusta caminar. No puede montar a caballo' translates to 'She doesn't like to walk. She can't ride a horse,' and 'Como se puede bailar? Es un escandalo' means 'How can she be dancing? It's scandalous!' These lines emphasize the absurdity of the men's proposals and the protagonist's refusal to conform to their expectations. The song's playful tone and clever lyrics highlight the protagonist's independence and her refusal to be swept away by unrealistic romantic notions, making it a celebration of practicality and self-assuredness.