Ali Handal: Music & Video

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

I find that a lot of people assume that I'm really tough -- maybe it's because I write sassy, sexy lyrics, or because I tour by myself, or just because I'm an independent woman on my own in the music business.

Whatever it is, I wrote this song about myself, and the many women like me, who, though strong by anyone's standards, are really quite "soft" at heart, and in need of care and affection.

keep my eyes on the prize till my vision is blurred
and I stay in the ring, though the odds are absurd
I’ve been tough, yeah I’ve been tough

every muscle is aching and I may not win
but I fight all 12 rounds and I never give in

I may be battle-scarred and my calluses may feel hard
but they’re only skin deep - just look underneath
I’m soft in the middle

cupid’s arrows have grazed me but they never stick
I guess girls like me move a little too quick
yeah I’m a fast girl

and I’d like to believe in “till death do us part,”
but I don’t need the bruise of another false start

I may be battle-scarred and my calluses may feel hard
but they’re only skin deep - just look underneath
I’m soft in the middle

don't be afraid
don’t be afraid

I don’t act like a girl who you need to protect
cuz I hang with the boys
and I earn their respect

I may be battle-scarred and my calluses may feel hard
but they’re only skin deep - just look underneath I’m
soft in the middle