Theres no question that the line, “Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first” has always been an absolute BAR. It’s so heart breaking and painful…and I know most people think it’s about John Mayer…but I don’t.
I think that line is more about Scott and Scooter taking her masters. Essentially her ENTIRE early life that she wrote and sang about. They took it from her and she’s screaming at them to give it back to her.
I think it’s a VERY literal line. As long as they have her early work they’re going to own a piece of her and even though she’s re-recording, and taking it away from them, I know a part of her is NEVER going to feel at ease until she owns the originals as well.
GIVE ME BACK MY GIRLHOOD. IT WAS MINE FIRST…is her literally SCREAMING at them and the pain is so visceral.
For me It’s less about her virginity, as some (most) people think, and more about her entire life story that was stolen out from under her and has been sold and traded and shared with so many other people.
And, though the song obviously seems sexual to some people, and I understand why, it feels much more about having trust in someone and realizing later that while you thought they were trustworthy you actually were dancing with the devil and their betrayal leads you to question everything about yourself and what you thought you were and even your faith.
I honestly don’t think she’s singing about a romantic relationship. I think this one is about Scott in just the same way My Tears Ricochet is.
Though I could be wrong and I’m guessing we’ll never really know.