"I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears. It served as the third single from her third full length studio album, Britney. It was released on January 7, 2002, by Jive Records.
Background[]
The song was written by Dido, with additional writing and song production by Max Martin and Rami Yacoub. The soft rock song, speaks about the angst and heartache of puberty, and was considered by Spears as inspirational and one of her favorites that she has ever sang.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
I used to think I had the answers to everything
But now I know
That life doesn't always go my way, yeah
Feels like I'm caught in the middle
That's when I realized
[Chorus]
I'm not a girl
Not yet a woman
All I need is time, a moment that is mine
While I'm in between
I'm not a girl
[Verse 2]
There is no need to protect me
It's time that I learn to face up to this on my own
I've seen so much more than you know now
So don't tell me to shut my eyes
[Chorus]
I'm not a girl (Not a girl, not yet a woman)
Not yet a woman
(I'm just trying to find the woman in me)
All I need is time, a moment that is mine
While I'm in between
I'm not a girl
[Bridge]
But if you look at me closely
You will see it in my eyes
This girl will always find her way
[Chorus]
(I'm not a girl) I'm not a girl, don't tell me what to believe
(Not yet a woman) I'm just trying to find the woman in me, yeah
(All I need is time) All I need is time, a moment that is mine
While I'm in between
I'm not a girl (Not a girl, not yet a woman)
Not yet a woman
(I'm just trying to find the woman in me) Not now
All I need is time, a moment that is mine
While I'm in between
I'm not a girl
Not yet a woman
Critical Reception[]
"I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" received positive reviews from music critics. The song was considered to be Spears' standout statement on Britney, while comparing the song to the powerful ballads written by Dianne Warren. However, it won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song.
Chart Performance[]
While the song did not perform well on the Billboard charts in the United States, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" reached the top ten in Austria, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden and United Kingdom. The song would later be certified Gold in Australia by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for selling over 35,000 physical units of the single.
Music Video[]
A music video for the single, which was directed by Wayne Isham, was released along with Crossroads (2002), Spears' first movie as a protagonist. The music video portrayed Spears singing about the transition from child to adult, and was filmed at Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
Live Performances[]
Spears performed "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" on her Dream Within a Dream Tour, when she sat down next to a piano player and talked to the audience before moving into the song's performance.
Track Listings[]
- European CD Single[24]
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" — 3:51
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" (Spanish Fly Radio Edit) — 3:28
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" (Chocolate Puma Dub) — 7:38
- "I Run Away" — 3:59
- "Overprotected" (Music Video) — 3:32
- "Crossroads" (Movie Trailer)
- Japanese DVD Single[25]
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" (Music Video)
- "Crossroads" (Movie Trailer)
- "Born To Make You Happy/Lucky/Sometimes" Medley (Live from Las Vegas)
- 12" Vinyl[26]
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" (Spanish Fly Club Mix) — 6:01
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" (Spanish Fly Radio Edit) — 3:28
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" (Chocolate Puma Mix) — 7:38
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" — 3:51
- The Singles Collection Boxset Single[27]
- "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" — 3:51
- "I Run Away" — 3:59