Top Five "When A Woman is Fed Up" Songs

I know—this is supposed to be a blog about African American romance and love. But sometimes love goes sour. And I thought it would be a nice community service for me to come up with a list of songs that speak to sisters when they are at the breaking point, that I'm not gonna take this anymore point. That love don't live here any more point. Songs that, if a guy happens to come home a little late and his woman his blasting them—singing at the top of her lungs and from the bottom of her gut—he'd better make a u-turn. You know the songs I'm talking about. They have become anthems in female communities. And I'm sure there are some that didn't make my top five that you might turn on and sing along with when your significant other is working your nerves. So, here are mine. What are yours?

1. "Caught Out There" (I hate you so much right now) by Kelis – Before her milkshake brought all the boys to the yard, and before she became Mrs. Nasir Jones she was the first girl to scream on a track. Who can forget the classic "I hate you so much right now! Arrrrrgh!" The first time I heard this song, I just stared at the TV thinking WTF! It was refreshing to see a black chick screaming like a rocker. And the lyrics speak for themselves. He was cheating. She caught him. And now she hates him--so much.
2. "Free Yourself" by Fantasia – This song is one of my favorites. Sister can't even be bothered anymore. She tells the guy to "go ahead and free yourself." Let yourself out. I'm done. The lyrics along with Fantasia's voice on this cut give it the high ranking on my list. "If you don't want me, then don't talk to me… Go ahead and free yourself…"
3. "Padlock" by Gwen Gunthrie – I loved Gwen Gunthrie's music back when I was too young to really know what she was singing about and "Padlock" is a classic. Now, "Outside in the Rain" is my favorite Gwen Gunthrie song. But we'll have to save that one for the cool places to make love mix tape. "Padlock" makes this list with lyrics like: "I'm padlocking my heart, you and I are finished. Padlocking my heart. Love has been evicted. Padlocking my heart. You ain't welcome here no more… I'm locking up the door" it has to make the list.
4. "Not Gonna Cry" by Mary J. Blige – Now, this song was playing during the infamous burning the clothes and the car scene in the film version of Waiting to Exhale… Angela Basset tore that scene up, "Take your shit. Take your shit." But I digress… Enough said… I will add that with lyrics like, "I'm not gonna cry cause you're not worth my tears…" it becomes pretty clear that the sister is fed-up.
5. "Ring the Alarm" by Beyonce – "Ring the alarm. I been with ya too long. But I'll be damn if I see another chick on your arm." I didn't know Beyonce had it in her! LOL! She's threatening to set the man's house on fire and everything. Who knew? And the delivery is nice and angry. This song had to make my list for that reason alone.

So, that's my top five. I know I probably missed some good ones. So if you can think of any that I missed let me know. And, I have a word of warning to any guys reading this. If you come home and your sweetheart is blasting one of these songs, back away from the door…

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth