Behind The Meaning of "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" By Aerosmith – American Songwriter

Released as the first single from Permanent Vaction (1987), Dude (Looks Like a Lady) began Aerosmiths late-80s comeback.

The song went on to find chart-topping success and generated a newfound love for the rock outfit. Across the nearly 40 years since its release, the song has become a staple in pop culturefinding success time and time again with placement across film and television.

But what is the meaning of the song? Lets dive into the song lyrics below.

The pervasive origin story of Dude (Looks Like a Lady) stems from Aerosmith imbibing during a night out with Mtley Cre, wherein the band left rolling their eyes at how every sentence the Cre guys said started with the word Dude.

Desmond Child, who co-wrote the song alongside Stevie Tyler and Joe Perry, recalled the moment in an interview with the Huffington Post.

Though Aerosmith hadnt previously worked with an outside songwriter before, Child was brought in to the fray following his work with Bon Jovi (Livin on a Prayer and Bad Medicine). Tyler showed Child some of the lyrics he had been working on for a song titled Cruisin for the Ladiesan idea Child immediately denounced as dull and already done.

Tyler reluctantly agreed and said that the proposed title was actually an alternate. He then revealed that the original version of the song was inspired by a night out at the bar not too long before, wherein after a few drinksTyler spotted what he thought was an attractive girl with teased, bleach-blonde hair.

When the girl eventually turned around, they realized it wasnt a girl at allit was instead Vince Neil from Mtley Crewho did indeed have some pretty luscious hair. That dude looks like a lady, one of the Aerosmith members apparently said, and then continued to repeat the catchy little phrase all night.

Child said he later let Vince Neil in on the joke: He had a good laugh. The incident is also acknowledged in Neils autobiography, so he must not have any hard feelings.

Cruised into a bar on the shoreHer picture graced the grime on the doorShes a long lost love at first biteBaby, maybe youre wrongBut you know its all right, thats right

So never judge a book by its coverOr who you gonna love by your loverLove put me wise to her love in disguiseShe had the body of a VenusLord, imagine my surprise

Child also took pride in how, with issues of gender identity in the headlines today, the song was way ahead of its time in its treatment of the subject.

He said, The idea of a transgendered character in a hit song being shown in a positive light was completely fresh and revolutionary. It was so catchy that even without knowing what the song was about, people everywhere started spontaneously singing it at the top of their lungs.

He continued, Even Mrs. Doubtfire was doing the broom dance to it and every little kid in America could sing all the words by heart. I heard one drunk guy on the street yelling, Do a naked ladyI guess thats what he probably wanted it to say. The other side of a song is the listener who always brings their own story to a song no matter what its saying.

While Child may think the song cast transgender individuals in a positive light, many members of the LGBTQ+ community would strongly disagree.

Despite its mainstream success, Dude (Looks Like a Lady) has often been accused of being transphobic with its lyrics. In a 2012 interview, Child revealed that Perry was concerned that the song would offend the gay community. To which Child replied Okay, Im gay, and Im not insulted. Lets write this song.

Despite any well-meaning intentions for the track, it has been used many times as a dig at transgender individuals since its release.

In 2013, Fox News played the song while introducing activist and whistleblower Chelsea Manning, a trans woman. Throughout her interview with the outlet, the hosts continually used masculine pronouns alongside Mannings original name.

Caitlyn Jenner also dubbed the track her theme song after transitioning in 2014. Backlash ensued from fans and LGBTQ+ activists.

The song has been a staple in pop culture for many years, finding widespread placement in television and film.

Concurrent with its chart run, the song played in the 1987 comedy film Like Father Like Son, starring Kirk Cameron and Dudley Moore.

In 1993, the song was prominently featured in the film Mrs. Doubtfire, during a montage of the main character bonding with his family in disguise as a woman. The song was also used in the films TV ads. The films writer, Randi Mayem Singer, credits the song as the biggest influence on the script. She was quoted as saying, Without Dude (Looks Like a Lady), there would be noMrs. Doubtfire.

The song was also featured in the movie Its Pat, where the title character (played by Julia Sweeney) sings a karaoke version at their wedding reception. The song nods to the running joke throughout the film that references Pats gender ambiguity.

Aerosmith performed the song live in the movie, Waynes World 2 and is also featured on the accompanying soundtrack for the film.

Photo: Katarina Benzova / ID PR

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Behind The Meaning of "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" By Aerosmith - American Songwriter